Even as Madhya Pradesh continues to reel under intense heat during the ongoing Nautapa period, several districts witnessed unseasonal rain, hailstorms and strong winds on Thursday, bringing sharp contrasts in weather conditions across the state. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an orange alert for severe heatwave conditions in six districts on Friday, while also forecasting hailstorms and thunderstorms in parts of the state by evening. Hail and rain amid scorching temperatures Heavy rain accompanied by hailstones lashed Damoh district for nearly half an hour on Thursday. Similar weather activity was reported from other parts of the state even as daytime temperatures remained well above normal. According to the IMD’s Bhopal centre, strong winds reaching speeds of 50-60 kmph are likely in several districts on Friday. Weather conditions are expected to change significantly from May 30 onwards, with rain and hailstorm activity forecast in many regions. Khajuraho hottest at 46.5°C Ten cities in Madhya Pradesh recorded temperatures of 45°C or above on Thursday, highlighting the severity of the heatwave gripping the state. Khajuraho emerged as the hottest location with a maximum temperature of 46.5°C, followed by Rajgarh (46°C), Datia (45.7°C), Naugaon, Damoh and Malajkhand (45.5°C each), Tikamgarh (45.2°C), Satna (45.1°C), and Mandla and Sagar (45°C each). Among the state’s major cities, Gwalior recorded 44.7°C, Jabalpur 44°C, Bhopal 43.8°C, Ujjain 42.5°C and Indore 41.8°C. Orange alert in six districts The IMD has issued an orange alert for severe heatwave conditions in Gwalior, Morena, Sheopur, Niwari, Tikamgarh and Chhatarpur districts. Temperatures are expected to remain extremely high during the afternoon before weather conditions begin to change later in the day. A yellow alert for heatwave conditions has also been issued in 27 districts, including Bhopal, Jabalpur, Vidisha, Raisen, Sagar, Damoh, Satna and Shahdol, where temperatures are expected to remain above 43°C. Relief likely from May 30 The weather department has forecast a gradual decline in heatwave conditions from Friday onwards. Rain, thunderstorms and hailstorms are expected in several districts between May 30 and June 1. Officials said there is currently no heatwave alert for the state during this three-day period, although hot conditions may persist in parts of the Indore and Narmadapuram divisions. Rain during Nautapa not unusual Meteorological data show that rainfall during Nautapa is not uncommon in Madhya Pradesh. In Bhopal, rain has been recorded during seven of the last 14 Nautapa periods, while light drizzle occurred in two other years. This year, rainfall activity began during the opening days of the nine-day hot spell. Avoid stepping out during peak afternoon hours Meteorologist H.S. Pande advised residents to avoid unnecessary outdoor activity between noon and 3 p.m., when the impact of the heat is expected to be most severe. He urged people to stay hydrated, wear light-coloured cotton clothing and take extra precautions for children and elderly family members to reduce the risk of heat-related illnesses. Post navigation Class 10, 12 marksheets available for ₹25,000 in MP:Operator says, ‘No need to attend school, I’ve been in this business for 10 years’
