Heatwave to scorch 44 districts in Madhya Pradesh:IMD issues red alert for Niwari, Tikamgarh, Chhatarpur, Panna and Satna

The nine-day “Nautapa” period, traditionally associated with the year’s harshest summer spell, begins on May 25 and will continue until June 2. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD) office in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh will remain under severe heatwave conditions from May 25 to May 28. On the first day itself, heatwave warnings have been issued for 44 districts across the state. Among them, five districts — Niwari, Tikamgarh, Chhatarpur, Panna and Satna — have been placed under a red alert for severe heatwave conditions. Major cities including Bhopal, Gwalior and Ujjain are also expected to witness intense heat during the initial phase of Nautapa, with temperatures likely to touch 44 degrees Celsius. Khajuraho and Nowgong hottest before Nautapa Even before the beginning of Nautapa, Madhya Pradesh witnessed intense summer conditions on Sunday. According to the Meteorological Department: Among the five major cities: Health concerns rise amid extreme heat With temperatures crossing 45°C in many parts of the country, doctors have warned that excessive heat can trigger digestive issues such as indigestion and acidity. Experts say these problems can worsen if ignored. Health specialists advise people to maintain proper hydration, avoid spicy and oily foods, and adopt lifestyle changes to prevent heat-related illnesses. Heatwave alerts across Madhya Pradesh Red alert in 5 districts Severe heatwave conditions are expected in: Orange alert in 18 districts An orange alert for intense heatwave conditions has been issued in: Bhind, Datia, Agar Malwa, Rajgarh, Sagar, Narsinghpur, Damoh, Jabalpur, Mandla, Balaghat, Katni, Umaria, Shahdol, Maihar, Rewa, Mauganj, Sidhi and Singrauli. Yellow alert in 21 districts Heatwave warnings have been issued for: Bhopal, Gwalior, Dindori, Anuppur, Khargone, Khandwa, Burhanpur, Neemuch, Mandsaur, Ratlam, Ujjain, Shajapur, Sehore, Raisen, Narmadapuram, Vidisha, Guna, Ashoknagar, Shivpuri, Sheopur and Morena. Intense heat expected in 11 more districts High temperatures are also likely in: Indore, Dewas, Harda, Betul, Chhindwara, Pandhurna, Seoni, Barwani, Dhar, Jhabua and Alirajpur. Heatwave likely to peak by May 31 According to the IMD, the ongoing heat spell is expected to peak by May 31. The department’s four-day forecast until May 28 suggests that severe heat conditions will continue across the entire state, offering little relief to residents. Experts advise staying indoors during afternoon hours Meteorologist H.S. Pandey advised people to avoid stepping out between 12 pm and 3 pm, when the heat impact will be strongest. He recommended: