IMD issues season’s first warm night alert:Warm night alert issue in 9 cities including Bhopal; Indore and Gwalior temperatures cross 42°C

For the first time this summer season, a “warm night” alert has been issued in Madhya Pradesh. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), several cities—including Bhopal—are expected to witness unusually warm nights on Tuesday. The nine cities under alert include Bhopal, Sehore, Raisen, Narmadapuram, Chhindwara, Pandhurna, Seoni, Mandla, and Balaghat. Similar conditions were already observed on Sunday and Monday nights in Bhopal, Chhindwara, Mandla, and Narmadapuram. What is a ‘warm night’? As per IMD, a “warm night” occurs when the minimum (night) temperature is significantly above normal—by about 4.5°C to 6.4°C—while the daytime maximum temperature touches or exceeds 40°C. If the night temperature rises more than 6.4°C above normal, it is classified as a “severe warm night.” Currently, no such severe conditions have been reported in the state. Day temperatures remain high Daytime temperatures continue to remain intense across the state. Khajuraho recorded the highest temperature at 43°C. Other major readings include: Among major cities Cloud cover and Rainfall activity Despite the heat, parts of the state experienced cloud cover and intermittent rainfall over the past two days. Districts such as Khargone, Indore, Sehore, Sagar, Ashoknagar, Agar Malwa, Narmadapuram, Guna, Satna, Morena, Harda, Khandwa, Barwani, Ujjain, and Betul saw thunderstorms and light showers. In Bhopal, sunshine appeared later than usual on Monday morning. Reason behind weather fluctuations Meteorologists attribute the changing weather to a cyclonic circulation and trough activity over eastern parts of the state over the past three days. This has led to cloud formation and localized storms, especially in southern districts. Additionally, a western disturbance is expected to affect the western Himalayan region around April 23, though its impact on Madhya Pradesh is likely to be minimal. Advisory: Stay hydrated, avoid sun exposure With rising temperatures, IMD has issued safety guidelines: Heat intensifies in late April According to IMD, April and May are peak summer months, with heat intensifying in the second half of April. Unusual weather patterns earlier this year While January remained dry, February and March saw multiple weather changes: Long-term temperature trends in major cities Data from the past decade shows rising April temperatures across key cities: Record highs include