Heat wave alert in 20 districts of Madhya Pradesh:Narmadapuram records 43°C; rain forecast for April 19–20

According to the Meteorological Centre in Bhopal, districts under alert include Ratlam, Jhabua, Dhar, Alirajpur, Niwari, Tikamgarh, Chhatarpur, Panna, Satna, Rewa, Mauganj, Sidhi, Singrauli, Narmadapuram, Betul, Chhindwara, Pandhurna, Seoni, Mandla and Balaghat. There is also a possibility of rain in some areas on April 19 and 20. Temperatures cross 43 degrees in several areas Narmadapuram recorded the highest temperature of the season at 43°C on Thursday. Ratlam followed at 42.8°C. Several districts, including Damoh, Mandla, Shajapur and Guna, recorded temperatures above 41°C. Among major cities, Jabalpur was the hottest at 41.4°C. Bhopal and Gwalior recorded 40.5°C, Indore 40.1°C, and Ujjain 40.7°C. Heat wave conditions intensify in second half of April The Meteorological Department said April and May are the peak summer months. Heat usually increases from the second half of April. People have been advised to stay hydrated, avoid direct sunlight during afternoon hours, and wear light cotton clothes. Extra care is recommended for children and the elderly. Unusual weather earlier this month From April 1 to 9, the state saw rain, storms and hail instead of extreme heat. Gwalior recorded the highest rainfall during this period. More than 15 districts experienced hailstorms, while around 45 districts received rainfall. Rising heat trend in major cities Data from recent years shows that temperatures in Bhopal and Indore have reached up to 43°C in April, while Jabalpur has touched 44°C. Gwalior has recorded temperatures above 45°C. Experts say temperatures may rise further in the coming days. Past records show extreme heat and sudden rain Bhopal recorded 44.4°C on April 29, 1996, its highest April temperature. Indore’s highest April temperature was 44.6°C in 1958. Jabalpur recorded 45.4°C in April 1970, while Gwalior touched 46.2°C in 1958. Despite high temperatures, April has also seen sudden rainfall in recent years across cities, including Bhopal, Indore and Jabalpur.