Khajuraho breaks decade-old heat record, crosses 46°C:MP reels under intense heatwave, alerts issued for storms and rain across multiple districts today

Madhya Pradesh is currently in the grip of intense heat, with the popular tourist destination Khajuraho recording a scorching 46°C on Monday—the highest in the past 10 years. Naugaon in Chhatarpur district was the second hottest location. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a heatwave alert for five districts and a thunderstorm and rain warning for 12 districts on Tuesday. Rain Likely Amid Intense Heat The Meteorological Centre in Bhopal has forecast rainfall across the state until May 1, even as high temperatures persist. This unusual combination is attributed to active cyclonic circulation and a trough system. From April 28 onward, some relief from heatwave conditions is expected. Heatwave Alert in These Districts Heatwave conditions are expected in: Thunderstorm and Rain warning in 12 districts The following districts may witness thunderstorms, lightning, gusty winds, and rainfall: Temperatures cross 44°C in 13 cities On Monday, apart from Khajuraho (46.0°C) and Naugaon (45.5°C), a total of 13 cities—including Sheopur and Datia—recorded maximum temperatures of 44°C or above. Other major cities recorded: All-time record at risk in Khajuraho While Khajuraho has already broken a 10-year record, there is now a possibility of surpassing its all-time high. According to the IMD, the highest-ever recorded temperature in Khajuraho was 46.9°C on April 29, 1993. If the current heatwave continues, this record could also be broken. Weather Outlook for the Next 4 Days The state is expected to experience a mix of extreme heat and localized rainfall over the coming days, with temperature fluctuations driven by changing weather systems. Advisory Issued to Tackle Heat With rising temperatures, the IMD has issued safety guidelines: April and May: Peak summer months According to the IMD, just as December–January mark peak winter and July–August see the highest rainfall, April and May are the most intense summer months. April typically experiences severe heat conditions. Heat trends in major cities of MP From mid-April onward, temperatures rise sharply across the state, often reaching record levels by the end of the month. A 10-year data-based analysis shows: Several of these cities have experienced extreme heat in multiple years over the past decade, and temperatures are expected to rise again this year.