Mercury hits 43°C in Khajuraho, Narmadapuram:Bhopal and Indore swelter; heatwave alert in 10 districts including Gwalior

Madhya Pradesh continues to reel under intense heat, with daytime temperatures crossing 43°C and nighttime temperatures hovering around 27°C. On Tuesday, Khajuraho and Narmadapuram recorded the highest temperatures, while cities like Bhopal, Indore, Jabalpur and Ujjain also experienced scorching conditions. Heatwave alert in 10 districts The Meteorological Department has issued a heatwave warning for Wednesday in districts including Gwalior, Bhind, Datia, Niwari, Tikamgarh, Chhatarpur, Ratlam, Jhabua, Dhar and Alirajpur. Temperatures cross 42°C in several districts Several districts recorded extreme temperatures:
Sidhi (42.6°C), Nowgong (42.5°C), Raisen (42.2°C), Ratlam (42°C), Narsinghpur and Satna (41.6°C), Tikamgarh and Rewa (41.5°C), Damoh (41.4°C), Sagar (41.3°C), Umaria and Datia (41.2°C), Mandla (41°C), Guna (40.7°C), Dhar (40.6°C), Sheopur (40.4°C) and Shajapur (40.2°C). Among major cities, Jabalpur recorded 40.6°C, Bhopal 40.2°C, Indore 39.9°C, Gwalior 40.2°C, and Ujjain 40°C. Warm night conditions across state The state is also witnessing “warm night” conditions, with minimum temperatures in cities like Bhopal remaining between 25°C and 27°C. According to the weather department, a warm night occurs when the minimum temperature remains 4.5°C to 6.4°C above normal, while the daytime maximum crosses 40°C. If the night temperature rises more than 6.4°C above normal, it is termed a “severe warm night.” Currently, such conditions have not been reported in the state. Cloud cover in eastern regions Cloud cover was observed in eastern districts on Tuesday, including Sidhi, Singrauli, Shahdol, Anuppur, Dindori, Mandla, and Balaghat, due to the passage of a trough. Advisory issued to beat the heat With rising temperatures, authorities have issued advisories urging people to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water, avoid prolonged exposure to the sun during peak afternoon hours, and wear light-colored cotton clothing. Special care has been advised for children and the elderly. April–May peak heat period According to the Meteorological Department, April and May are typically the hottest months in the state, similar to peak winter in December–January and peak monsoon in July–August. Intense heat usually sets in during the second half of April. Weather fluctuations in February–March While January remained dry this year, February and March saw multiple weather changes, including spells of rain, hailstorms, and strong winds that damaged crops. In February, the state witnessed four weather disturbances, including hail and rain. March began with rising temperatures, but later saw multiple rain spells, affecting over 45 districts and causing crop damage, particularly to wheat, papaya, and banana. Long-term April trends in major cities A 10-year data analysis shows that temperatures in cities like Bhopal and Indore have reached up to 43°C in April, while Jabalpur has touched 44°C. Gwalior has recorded temperatures above 45°C in recent years. Record heat and Rainfall data The current trend indicates that temperatures are likely to rise further in the coming days.