Heat surges across 25 MP districts:Malwa-Nimar records highest temperatures; Bhopal and Indore brace for scorching conditions on Holi

Heat has begun tightening its grip on Madhya Pradesh in early March, with daytime temperatures rising sharply across several districts. On Tuesday, maximum temperatures crossed 33°C in 35 districts, particularly in the Malwa-Nimar region, which includes Indore and Ujjain divisions. According to the Meteorological Department, Dhar recorded 35.9°C, Narmadapuram 35.4°C, Khargone 35.2°C, Khandwa 35.1°C, and Ratlam 35°C — making them the hottest places in the state. Temperatures of 33°C or above were also recorded in Bhopal, Indore, Gwalior, Ujjain, Jabalpur, Shajapur, Guna, Tikamgarh, Damoh, Sagar, Satna, Mandla, Chhatarpur, Seoni, Umaria, Sidhi, Narsinghpur, Chhindwara, and Raisen. Mercury likely to touch 40°C soon Weather officials predict a further rise of 2 to 4 degrees Celsius over the next four days. At this rate, temperatures may touch 40°C within the first fortnight of March. However, a western disturbance is expected to become active from March 6, raising chances of rainfall in the following two to three days. Hot and sunny holi expected The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast clear skies and strong sunshine across the state on Holi. There is no possibility of rain or cloud cover. In Bhopal, Indore, Gwalior, and Ujjain, temperatures may exceed 35°C on the festival day. Nights turning warmer too Not only are days getting hotter, but nights are also warming up. On Monday–Tuesday night, minimum temperatures remained at or above 16°C in several districts, including Jabalpur, Sagar, Seoni, Tikamgarh, Narsinghpur, Guna, Dhar, Narmadapuram, Khandwa, Khargone, Ratlam, and Sheopur. Dhar recorded the highest minimum temperature at 18.5°C, followed by Narmadapuram at 18.4°C and Khandwa at 18°C. No heatwave in March, likely in April–May Meteorologists have clarified that heatwave conditions are expected in April and May, possibly lasting 15 to 20 days. There is no heatwave alert for March yet, although temperatures are already elevated. April–May to be hottest months The department predicts that April and May will witness extreme heat, especially in the Gwalior, Chambal, Jabalpur, Rewa, Shahdol, and Sagar divisions, where temperatures may exceed 45°C. Divisions including Bhopal, Indore, Ujjain, and Narmadapuram are also expected to remain hot. February witnessed four rounds of rain and hail February saw four major weather disturbances, including hailstorms, rainfall, and strong winds, causing crop damage. The government conducted surveys to assess agricultural losses. Rainfall episodes occurred around February 18–21 and again on February 23–24. March weather trends in five major cities Bhopal: Hot days with rain trend March typically marks the beginning of summer in Bhopal, with rising day and night temperatures. The city recorded a high of 41°C on March 30, 2021. Historically, the temperature dropped to 6.1°C on the night of March 9, 1979. Between 2014 and 2023, maximum temperatures mostly ranged between 38°C and 41°C. Indore: Temperature once touched 41.1°C In Indore, heat intensifies from March onward. The highest recorded March temperature was 41.1°C on March 28, 1892. The lowest recorded night temperature was 5°C on March 4, 1898. The city averages 2–3 rainy days in March, with occasional dust storms. Gwalior: Mixed trend of heat, cold, and rain March in Gwalior brings fluctuating conditions. The highest temperature recorded was 41.8°C on March 31, 2022, while the lowest was 5.4°C on March 1, 1972. In 2015, the city recorded over 5 inches of rain during March. Jabalpur: Cool nights continue In Jabalpur, March nights remain relatively cool, averaging around 15°C. Daytime temperatures range between 36°C and 40°C. The highest March temperature recorded was 41.2°C on March 31, 2017, while the lowest was 3.3°C on March 4, 1898. Ujjain: Hot days with rain possibility Ujjain experiences hot days in March. The highest recorded temperature was 42.5°C on March 22, 2010. The lowest recorded night temperature was 4.6°C on March 1, 1971. Rain is also common during the month, with a single-day record rainfall of nearly 1.75 inches on March 17, 2013. A month of mixed weather Historical trends suggest that March in Madhya Pradesh brings a mix of warm days, cool nights, and occasional rainfall. While heat is steadily rising now, the state may experience brief showers before entering peak summer in April and May.