Heatwave conditions intensify across state:Mercury climbs past 39°C in Gwalior, Chambal-Sagar divisions; temp expected to soar over next 4 days

Madhya Pradesh is experiencing April-like heat in early March, with temperatures already crossing 39°C in several areas. The Meteorological Department has warned that the mercury could rise further and reach 40°C within the next four days. On Thursday, Narmadapuram recorded a temperature above 39°C for the first time this season, marking one of the highest readings in the state. Early heatwave trend this year According to the weather department, intense heat usually begins in the second half of March. Over the past decade, strong heat has generally been recorded only after 15 March. However, this year the trend has changed, with temperatures rising sharply in the first half of the month itself. Cities in the Gwalior, Chambal and Sagar divisions are currently the hottest, with maximum temperatures 3 to 4 degrees above normal. Clear Skies Increasing Heat A trough is passing through the eastern part of the state, and a cyclonic circulation is also active. However, these systems are not having much impact on Madhya Pradesh. Clear skies are allowing strong sunlight to directly heat the ground, increasing daytime temperatures. Narmadapuram records 39.4°C On Thursday, temperatures across the state crossed 30°C. Four of the five major cities — Indore, Gwalior, Ujjain and Jabalpur — recorded temperatures above 35°C, while Bhopal registered 34.6°C. Narmadapuram was the hottest city at 39.4°C. Other readings included: Shajapur, Mandla and Satna also recorded temperatures of 35°C or above. Night temperatures have risen above 18°C in many areas. Temperatures may reach 40°C soon The India Meteorological Department (IMD) expects maximum temperatures to increase by another 4 degrees within the next four days. As a result, the mercury could reach 40°C in early March itself. However, heatwave conditions are not expected in March. Experts predict heatwaves in April and May, which may last for 15 to 20 days. Mixed weather in March Data from the past 10 years shows that March in Madhya Pradesh usually brings a mix of weather — warm days, cool nights and occasional rainfall. Similar conditions are expected this year. In cities such as Bhopal, Indore and Ujjain, daytime temperatures may cross 40°C, while night temperatures are likely to range between 10°C and 17°C. Gwalior often sees the most variation in March, with night temperatures having dropped as low as 8°C in the past. Jabalpur typically experiences warm days and cool nights. April and May expected to be hottest The weather department has predicted that April and May will be the hottest months this year. Temperatures in Gwalior, Chambal, Jabalpur, Rewa, Shahdol and Sagar divisions may exceed 45°C. Bhopal, Indore, Ujjain and Narmadapuram divisions are also expected to remain very hot. Unusual weather in February February saw four spells of hail and rain across the state. Early in the month, two rounds of storms, rain and hail damaged crops. The government later conducted surveys of affected fields. Another spell of rain occurred between 18 and 21 February, followed by a fourth round of hail and rain on 23 and 24 February. Weather trends in major cities Bhopal: Hot days with chance of rain March usually marks the beginning of summer in Bhopal. The highest temperature recorded was 41°C on 30 March 2021. However, on 9 March 1979, the night temperature dropped to 6.1°C. In most recent years, March temperatures have ranged between 38°C and 41°C. Indore: Temperatures have reached 41.1°C In Indore, heat intensifies from March. The highest March temperature was 41.1°C, recorded on 28 March 1892. Rainfall of nearly one inch in 24 hours has also been recorded in March. Gwalior: Heat, cold and rain all possible Gwalior sees mixed weather in March. The temperature reached 41.8°C on 31 March 2022. On 1 March 1972, the night temperature dropped to 5.4°C. In 2015, over five inches of rain fell during the month. Jabalpur: Cool nights continue Jabalpur’s March nights remain cool, averaging around 15°C, while daytime temperatures range between 36°C and 40°C. The highest recorded March temperature was 41.2°C in 2017. Ujjain: Hot days with rain trend Ujjain recorded a high of 42.5°C on 22 March 2010. Night temperatures have dropped as low as 4.6°C in the past. The city also experiences occasional rainfall in March.