Rising temperatures in MP increase heatstroke risk:Narmadapuram hits 40.1°C; rain forecast for March 15–17

The intense “heat attack” continues in Madhya Pradesh. On Friday, Narmadapuram experienced the impact of a severe heatwave for the second consecutive day, with the daytime temperature reaching 40.1°C. Some relief from the heat may be felt on Saturday. Meanwhile, rain is expected on March 15, 16, and 17 in districts of the northern and eastern parts of the state, including the Gwalior-Chambal, Jabalpur, Rewa, and Shahdol divisions. Due to the intense heat, the risk of heatstroke has increased. In its advisory, the Meteorological Department has urged people to step out in the afternoon only if necessary, drink cold water, and minimize the use of ovens to keep indoor temperatures low. Notably, intense heat is being experienced in the state in the second week of March itself. For the past two days, the mercury has remained above 40°C. The impact is most visible in the Gwalior, Chambal, Ujjain, Indore, Bhopal, Narmadapuram, and Sagar divisions. Narmadapuram recorded maximum temperature Narmadapuram remains the hottest in the state. On Friday, temperatures in most cities, except Pachmarhi, were above 35°C. Among the five major cities, Bhopal recorded 37.8°C, Indore 37.6°C, Jabalpur 37.5°C, Ujjain 37.4°C, and Gwalior 36.1°C. Other readings included Narmadapuram 40.1°C, Ratlam 39.2°C, Mandla 39°C, Dhar and Khajuraho 38.9°C, Damoh 38.5°C, Khargone 38.4°C, and 38°C in Sagar, Tikamgarh, and Seoni. Weather to change from tomorrow The Meteorological Department has issued a three-day alert due to a Western Disturbance that became active on March 14. Its effect will be visible from March 15. Areas that receive rain will see a slight drop in maximum and minimum temperatures, while other cities may continue to experience high temperatures. Bhopal declared water-scarce in March Why is the heat so intense? According to the Meteorological Department, wind direction has shifted from north-east to west and north-west. Moisture levels in the air are very low, and winds from desert areas are reaching Madhya Pradesh, bringing additional heat. Three days of rain, thunder, and lightning Risk of cold, cough and allergies in March Doctors say this weather spreads the most illnesses. While days become hot, nights and mornings remain slightly cold. People often wear light clothes during the day and consume cold drinks, leading to an increase in cold, cough, allergy, and asthma cases. Children and the elderly should avoid cold air in the early morning and late night. Heatwave from the first week this year Usually, intense heat in the state begins in the second half of March. In the past 10 years, extreme heat was recorded only after March 15, but this year temperatures rose sharply from the very beginning of the month. Impact of all three seasons in March Data from the last decade shows that March in Madhya Pradesh often sees cold nights, warm days, and occasional rain. This pattern is continuing this year as well. In Bhopal, Indore, and Ujjain, daytime temperatures may cross 40°C, while nighttime temperatures may remain between 10°C and 17°C. The Meteorological Department says Gwalior experiences the most variation in March, where night temperatures have dropped to 8°C. In Jabalpur, days remain hot while nights are comparatively cold. April–May likely to be hottest The department has predicted that April and May will record the highest temperatures this year. During these months, temperatures may cross 45°C in districts of the Gwalior, Chambal, Jabalpur, Rewa, Shahdol, and Sagar divisions. Bhopal, Indore, Ujjain, and Narmadapuram divisions are also expected to remain very hot. Four spells of hail and rain in February The weather changed four times in February this year. Early in the month, two spells of hail, rain, and storms caused significant crop damage, prompting a government survey. From February 18, the state saw a third spell of rain lasting until February 21, followed by a fourth spell of hail and rain on February 23–24.