Malwa–Nimar region hottest in MP, temperatures cross 39°C:Desert winds push mercury up; Bhopal, Indore, Ujjain also experience intense heat

Unseasonably high temperatures have gripped Madhya Pradesh as early as March, with conditions resembling peak summer. In the first half of the month itself, temperatures have crossed 39°C, with the Malwa–Nimar region, including cities like Indore and Ujjain, emerging as the hottest parts of the state. On Saturday, temperatures in several districts of the region exceeded 38°C, creating conditions similar to a heatwave during daytime. Meteorologists say intense heat will continue on Sunday, including during Rangpanchami celebrations, across major cities such as Bhopal, Gwalior and Jabalpur. Desert winds driving the temperature surge According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), hot winds from the desert regions of Rajasthan are reaching Madhya Pradesh, pushing temperatures upward. Meteorologists also noted a change in wind direction, which has shifted from north-east to west and north-west, bringing dry and warm air into the region. Low humidity combined with desert winds has intensified the heat even in early March. Ratlam records highest temperature Among the districts, Ratlam recorded the highest temperature on Saturday at 38.6°C. Other cities also experienced significant heat: Among the state’s five major cities, temperatures were recorded as follows: Unusual early heat trend in March Historically, intense summer heat in Madhya Pradesh usually begins after mid-March, but this year temperatures have surged much earlier. Weather data from the past decade shows that extreme heat typically starts after March 15, yet this year the mercury has already begun rising sharply in the first half of the month. IMD issues advisory for residents Following the increase in heat intensity, the IMD’s Bhopal centre has issued public safety guidelines. Senior meteorologist Dr. Divya E. Surendran advised residents to avoid stepping out between 12 pm and 3 pm, when sunlight is the strongest. Recommended precautions include: Temperatures may touch 40°C soon According to the weather department, maximum temperatures could rise by another 4°C in the next two days, which may push the mercury close to 40°C in early March itself. However, meteorologists clarified that official heatwave conditions are not expected in March. Instead, heatwaves are more likely to occur during April and May, potentially lasting 15 to 20 days. March brings mixed weather patterns Weather experts say March in Madhya Pradesh typically experiences three different weather patterns — warm days, cool nights, and occasional rainfall. This year may follow a similar pattern. While daytime temperatures in cities like Bhopal, Indore and Ujjain could exceed 40°C, nighttime temperatures are expected to remain between 10°C and 17°C. In cities like Gwalior, the weather fluctuates significantly during March, sometimes bringing very cool nights. Meanwhile, Jabalpur often experiences hot days but cooler nights during this month. April–May likely to be the hottest months The IMD has predicted that April and May will bring the most intense heat this year. Regions including Gwalior-Chambal, Jabalpur, Rewa, Shahdol and Sagar divisions could see temperatures crossing 45°C. Cities in Bhopal, Indore, Ujjain and Narmadapuram divisions are also expected to experience severe heat. February saw repeated hailstorms and rain Interestingly, February witnessed four rounds of hailstorms, rain and strong winds across Madhya Pradesh. The sudden weather changes damaged crops in several areas, prompting the government to conduct crop damage surveys. The state experienced rainfall events on February 18–21 and again on February 23–24, marking a highly unusual weather pattern before the sudden onset of early summer heat.