Heat intensifies across state:Temperatures cross 37°C, Indore-Ujjain sizzle; Bhopal, Gwalior, Jabalpur stay unusually warm

Summer has arrived early in Madhya Pradesh, with temperatures rising up to 3 degrees above normal at the start of March. On Holi (Wednesday), the maximum temperature across the state crossed 37°C, while the night temperature hovered around 19°C. The Indore and Ujjain divisions recorded the highest heat, while cities like Bhopal, Gwalior and Jabalpur also experienced warm conditions. Meteorologist Arun Sharma said the current weather pattern is likely to persist for the next four days, with daytime temperatures expected to rise by another 2 to 4 degrees. A western disturbance is expected to become active over the western Himalayan region from March 6, which may bring light rain and cloud cover to some parts of the state. Mercury may touch 40°C soon According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), maximum temperatures in the state could rise by up to 4 degrees within the next four days. As a result, the mercury may touch 40°C in the first fortnight of March itself. Bright sunshine on holi The festival of Holi was marked by bright sunshine across the state, with no reports of rain or cloud cover, intensifying the heat. Narmadapuram recorded a season-high of 37.7°C for the first time this year. Dhar, Ratlam and Sagar recorded temperatures of 36°C or above. Other cities including Guna, Damoh, Khandwa, Tikamgarh, Khajuraho, Khargone, Sheopur and Mandla recorded temperatures above 35°C. Pachmarhi, the state’s only hill station, was the only place where the temperature remained below 30°C.
Dhar records warmest night Nights have also grown warmer. Between Tuesday and Wednesday, Betul, Guna, Narmadapuram, Khandwa, Ratlam, Sheopur, Jabalpur, Narsinghpur, Sagar, Seoni and Tikamgarh recorded minimum temperatures of 16°C or higher. Dhar recorded the highest night temperature at 19°C. No heatwave in March, likely in April–May Weather experts predict that heatwave conditions are more likely in April and May, potentially lasting 15 to 20 days. However, no heatwave alert has been issued for March, despite the rising temperatures in early days of the month. March brings mixed weather patterns Data from the past 10 years indicates that March in Madhya Pradesh typically sees warm days, cool nights and occasional rainfall. Similar conditions are being observed this year. In Bhopal, Indore and Ujjain, maximum temperatures could cross 40°C this month, while night temperatures may range between 10°C and 17°C. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) notes that Gwalior often sees the most variable weather in March, with night temperatures once dropping to 8°C. Jabalpur typically experiences warm days and cooler nights. April–May expected to be hottest The department has forecast the most intense heat during April and May. Temperatures in Gwalior, Chambal, Jabalpur, Rewa, Shahdol and Sagar divisions could exceed 45°C. Divisions including Bhopal, Indore, Ujjain and Narmadapuram are also expected to experience significant heat. February saw four rounds of rain and hail February witnessed four spells of unseasonal rain and hailstorms across the state, causing significant crop damage. The government conducted surveys to assess the impact on agriculture. Rain and hail occurred twice early in the month, followed by additional spells between February 18–21 and again on February 23–24. Weather trends in major cities