Storm, rain alert issued across 45 districts:Hail likely in Jabalpur, Katni and Chhatarpur

A strong weather system formed by cyclonic circulation and trough lines has engulfed Madhya Pradesh, triggering thunderstorms, rainfall, and hailstorms over the past four days. On Friday, more than 20 districts witnessed similar weather conditions. According to the Meteorological Department, another spell of strong winds and rain is expected across 45 districts, including Bhopal and Gwalior, in the next 24 hours. Two trough lines—one passing through the central region and another active in the upper atmosphere—along with two cyclonic circulations over western and northern parts, are influencing the state’s weather. Hailstorm alert in several districts The combined effect of these systems is causing daily weather fluctuations in 30–35 districts. On Saturday, hailstorms along with rain are likely in Jabalpur, Chhatarpur, Panna, Damoh, and Katni. Meanwhile, thunderstorms, lightning, and rain are expected in Bhopal, Gwalior, Sheopur, Morena, Bhind, Datia, Shivpuri, Guna, Ashoknagar, Neemuch, Mandsaur, Agar Malwa, Rajgarh, Shajapur, Sehore, Harda, Khandwa, Burhanpur, Betul, Narmadapuram, Raisen, Sagar, Vidisha, Narsinghpur, Chhindwara, Pandhurna, Seoni, Balaghat, Mandla, Dindori, Anuppur, Umaria, Shahdol, Sidhi, Singrauli, Mauganj, Rewa, Satna, Maihar, Niwari, and Tikamgarh. Strong winds Up to 60 km/h The Meteorological Department has forecast strong winds across the state for the next four days, until April 7. Wind speeds may reach up to 50–60 km/h in some districts, while others may experience winds at 30–40 km/h. Another system to become active from April 7 Weather activity is expected to continue as a Western Disturbance becomes active from April 7. Due to this, thunderstorms and rainfall may occur in different parts of the state until April 10. After that, the system will move ahead, paving the way for rising temperatures. Heatwave likely in second half of April The second half of April is expected to bring intense heat. By the last week, maximum temperatures in districts like Gwalior, Dhar, Khargone, Barwani, and Nowgaon–Khajuraho may reach 44–45°C. Temperatures are also likely to rise in Datia, Morena, Sheopur, Barwani, Khargone, and Dhar. Typically, hot winds affect southern and western Madhya Pradesh during April, leading to severe heat conditions. April–May: Peak summer months Just as December–January mark peak winter and July–August bring maximum rainfall, April and May are considered the hottest months. This year, temperatures had crossed 41°C in the second half of March. However, due to recent weather systems, temperatures dropped in the last few days of March. The first half of April is expected to see mixed weather conditions. Heatwave criteria explained According to weather experts, a heatwave is declared when temperatures rise 5°C above normal. The threshold varies for plains, hilly, and coastal regions. Since most of Madhya Pradesh is a plains region, temperatures above 40°C are considered heatwave conditions. A severe heatwave occurs when temperatures are 6.5°C above normal, commonly seen in Gwalior-Chambal, Ujjain, and Sagar divisions. Frequent weather changes in February–March While January remained dry, the weather changed four times each in February and March. February: Saw multiple spells of hail, rain, and storms, damaging crops.
March: Began with intense heat, followed by multiple spells of rain and storms in the second half. Over 45 districts experienced rain and storms, while 17 districts reported hailstorms, damaging crops like wheat, papaya, and banana. April weather trends in major cities Weather data over the past decade shows that temperatures in Bhopal and Indore have reached up to 43°C, while Jabalpur has touched 44°C. Gwalior has recorded temperatures above 45°C. The past three years have seen intense heat, and similar trends are expected this year. City-Wise Records and Trends Bhopal Indore Jabalpur Gwalior Ujjain