MP braces for four-day heatwave:Temperatures cross 47°C in Nowgong, 22 cities record above 44°C

Madhya Pradesh is reeling under an intense heatwave, with the sun blazing relentlessly across the state. Along with extreme daytime temperatures, hot winds have made conditions even harsher. On Tuesday, two cities in Chhatarpur district — Khajuraho and Nowgong — emerged as the hottest locations in the state. Nowgong recorded a season-high temperature of 47°C, while Khajuraho touched 46.4°C. This marks the first time this season that the mercury has reached 47°C in the state. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a four-day heatwave alert across Madhya Pradesh. 22 cities cross 44°C As many as 22 cities recorded temperatures above 44°C on Tuesday. After Nowgong and Khajuraho, Datia was the third hottest city with 45.8°C. Other major temperature readings included: Among the state’s five major cities Gwalior recorded 45°C for the first time this season Bhopal witnessed its hottest day of the season on Tuesday. Bhopal records first heatwave of the season At Bhopal’s airport observatory, the daytime temperature reached 44.2°C, while the automatic weather station at Arera Hills in New Bhopal recorded nearly 46°C. The city also experienced its first heatwave conditions of the season. Night temperatures in Bhopal climbed to 30°C for the first time this year. According to the Meteorological Department, intense heat is expected to continue for the next three days, with heatwave conditions likely across the state. Two suspected heatstroke deaths reported Amid severe heatwave-like conditions, two people reportedly died in Satna and Tikamgarh on Tuesday. Officials suspect both deaths were caused by heatstroke. Orange alert issued for severe heatwave in Northern MP The Meteorological Department has issued an orange alert for severe heatwave conditions on Wednesday in northern districts including: Heatwave conditions are also expected in: Bhopal, Indore, Ujjain, Gwalior, Jabalpur, Sheopur, Morena, Shivpuri, Guna, Ashoknagar, Neemuch, Mandsaur, Jhabua, Alirajpur, Dhar, Barwani, Agar Malwa, Khargone, Shajapur, Dewas, Khandwa, Burhanpur, Harda, Sehore, Vidisha, Narmadapuram, Narsinghpur, Mandla, Shahdol and Maihar. Meanwhile, warmer-than-normal night temperatures are likely in Rajgarh, Raisen, Katni, Umaria, Dindori, Balaghat and Chhindwara. Betul, Pandhurna, Seoni and Anuppur are also expected to remain under intense heat conditions. Advisory: Avoid going out between noon and 3 PM With extreme heat persisting over the past two days, the Meteorological Department has advised people to avoid stepping outdoors during peak afternoon hours. Weather scientist HS Pandey said the heat impact would be strongest between 12 pm and 3 pm and urged residents to leave home only if absolutely necessary. People have been advised to: Rainfall and storm activity dominated early May Before the heatwave intensified, Madhya Pradesh witnessed frequent storms and rainfall beginning April 30. The state recorded continuous rain for 11 days until May 10 due to western disturbances, cyclonic circulations and trough activity. Between May 12 and May 18, several districts continued to witness thunderstorms, rainfall or hailstorms. As a result, weather activity affected 14 out of the first 19 days of May. However, the Meteorological Department has not issued any rainfall alert for Wednesday.