Heatwave warning issued in 46 districts of MP:Red alert in Niwari, Tikamgarh, Chhatarpur-Panna; Khajuraho-Naugaon hottest for 10 days

Even as Madhya Pradesh reels under intense heat during Nautapa, several districts are witnessing an unusual mix of heatwave conditions, thunderstorms and scattered rainfall. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued red, orange and yellow alerts across multiple districts, warning that severe heat will continue on Thursday alongside storm and rain activity. Khajuraho, Naugaon remain hottest for 10 straight days Chhatarpur’s Khajuraho and Naugaon have remained the hottest cities in the state since May 18, with temperatures consistently crossing 47 degrees Celsius. On Wednesday, both towns recorded a maximum temperature of 46.6 degrees Celsius, prompting the IMD to issue a red alert for severe heatwave conditions once again on Thursday. Datia emerged as the third hottest city at 45.7 degrees Celsius, followed by Rewa at 45.4 degrees and Damoh at 45.2 degrees. At least 16 cities across the state recorded temperatures above 44 degrees Celsius. Among the five major cities, Gwalior remained the hottest at 44.5 degrees Celsius, while Bhopal recorded 43.6 degrees, Jabalpur 43 degrees, Ujjain 41.8 degrees and Indore 40.4 degrees Celsius. Rain and thunderstorms likely over next three days Despite the scorching temperatures, the Meteorological Department has forecast rainfall and thunderstorm activity in several districts between May 29 and May 31 due to the impact of a western disturbance. Districts including Chhindwara, Pandhurna, Seoni, Balaghat, Mandla and Dindori are likely to witness intense afternoon heat followed by evening showers and thunderstorms. Similar weather conditions are expected to persist in many parts of the state over the next four days, bringing some respite from the prolonged heatwave. Red alert issued in four districts The IMD has issued a red alert for severe heatwave conditions in Niwari, Tikamgarh, Chhatarpur and Panna districts. An orange alert has been sounded for Sagar, Damoh, Katni, Umaria, Maihar, Satna, Rewa, Sidhi, Mauganj and Singrauli, while yellow alerts remain in force for 32 districts, including Bhopal, Gwalior, Ujjain, Jabalpur and Morena. Meanwhile, Indore, Dhar, Barwani, Jhabua, Dewas, Harda, Narmadapuram and Betul are expected to receive partial relief from the heatwave. Heat triggers incidents as officials urge caution In Dewas, extreme heat reportedly caused a chartered bus tyre to burst, triggering a fire on Wednesday. Meteorologist HS Pande advised people to avoid stepping outdoors between 12 noon and 3 PM, when the heat impact is expected to be the strongest. He also urged residents to stay hydrated, wear light cotton clothing and take extra care of children and elderly family members. Rain during Nautapa not unusual in Bhopal According to weather records, Bhopal has experienced rainfall during Nautapa seven times in the last 14 years, while light drizzle occurred twice. The city has historically seen a combination of intense heat and pre-monsoon showers in May. The capital had recorded its highest-ever May temperature of 46.7 degrees Celsius in 2016. However, rainfall has also become a recurring trend in recent years, with more than two inches of rain recorded in both 2021 and 2023.