Rajasthan winds intensify heat in MP:11 districts on alert; schools shut in Narmadapuram

Madhya Pradesh is reeling under an intense heatwave as hot winds sweeping in from Rajasthan have sharply raised temperatures across several divisions. Cities in Bhopal, Jabalpur, Ujjain, Narmadapuram and Sagar divisions recorded severe heat on Thursday, with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) issuing a heatwave alert for 11 districts on Friday. Schools in Narmadapuram have been ordered shut as a precaution. According to the Meteorological Centre in Bhopal, districts under heatwave alert include Niwari, Tikamgarh, Chhatarpur, Raisen, Narmadapuram, Chhindwara, Seoni, Ratlam, Jhabua, Dhar and Alirajpur. Temperatures soar across state Day temperatures remained up to 4.2°C above normal on Thursday. Narmadapuram recorded the highest maximum temperature at 43.8°C, making it the hottest place in the state. Khajuraho and Naugaon in Chhatarpur district also saw extreme heat, recording 43.4°C and 43°C respectively. Several other districts reported temperatures above 41°C, including Sidhi (42.6°C), Datia, Damoh and Sagar-Tikamgarh (42.2°C), and Raisen and Ratlam (42°C). Major cities also witnessed high temperatures, with Jabalpur at 41.6°C, Bhopal at 41°C, Gwalior at 40.8°C, Indore at 40.6°C and Ujjain at 40°C. Hot days, warmer nights The heatwave impact has extended into the night, particularly in Narmadapuram, where minimum temperatures have hovered around 27°C. This places the city on the verge of “warm night” conditions — defined as night temperatures significantly above normal. Across cities like Bhopal, night temperatures are ranging between 25°C and 27°C, offering little respite from the daytime heat. Rain likely by April-end The IMD has forecast a change in weather towards the end of April. Rain accompanied by thunder and lightning is likely on April 27 in districts including Gwalior, Sheopur, Morena, Bhind, Seoni, Balaghat, Mandla, Dindori and Anuppur due to an incoming western disturbance. Advisory issued Authorities have urged residents to take precautions amid rising temperatures. People have been advised to stay hydrated, avoid prolonged exposure to the sun during afternoon hours, and wear light, cotton clothing. Special care has been recommended for children and the elderly. Heat to persist The current weather pattern is expected to continue for the next four days, with temperatures likely to remain high. The IMD noted that intense heat typically builds up in the second half of April, marking the peak summer phase in the region.