Khajuraho sizzles at 45°C, Indore breaks 6-year record:Bhopal, Jabalpur record 3-year high; heatwave grips 13 districts including Ujjain

Madhya Pradesh is witnessing an intense spell of heat, with temperatures breaking seasonal records across several districts. On Sunday, even as parts of the state received rain and thunderstorms, extreme heat conditions prevailed, pushing mercury levels sharply upward. For the first time this season, the temperature at Khajuraho touched 45°C, marking a significant spike. At the same time, Indore recorded its hottest April day in six years, while Bhopal and Jabalpur experienced their highest temperatures in the past three years. Heatwave alert in 13 districts The Meteorological Department has issued a heatwave alert for 13 districts on Monday. These include Indore, Ujjain, Ratlam, Dhar, Shajapur, Dewas, Niwari, Tikamgarh, Chhatarpur, Mandla, Seoni, Balaghat and Chhindwara. A ‘warm night’ alert has also been issued for Indore and Ujjain, indicating unusually high night temperatures. This means residents will experience discomfort not just during the day, but also overnight. Meanwhile, thunderstorm, lightning and rain warnings have been issued for districts including Sheopur, Morena, Rewa, Mauganj, Sidhi and Singrauli. Despite this, most parts of the state—including Bhopal and Jabalpur—will continue to reel under severe heat. Temperatures cross 44°c in multiple cities Sunday saw extreme temperatures across the state, with at least nine cities recording 44°C or above for the first time this season. After Khajuraho (45°C), Naugaon recorded 44.6°C, while Sagar and Narmadapuram reported 44.4°C. Damoh recorded 44.2°C, and Sheopur, Mandla, Datia and Tikamgarh touched 44°C. Several other cities also reported intense heat, with temperatures ranging between 43°C and 43.7°C, including Shajapur, Raisen, Satna, Ratlam, Guna, Rewa and Sidhi. Among major cities, Bhopal and Indore recorded 43°C, Jabalpur 43.5°C, Gwalior 42.9°C and Ujjain 42.5°C. Records broken in major cities Rain amid scorching heat Interestingly, the heatwave has been accompanied by intermittent rainfall across several districts. Cities including Indore, Bhopal, Sehore, Ratlam, Shajapur, Sagar and parts of Vidisha witnessed light to moderate showers on Sunday. According to the Meteorological Centre in Bhopal, a cyclonic circulation over central Madhya Pradesh triggered this weather activity. Additionally, the influence of a western disturbance is expected to persist for the next three days, bringing occasional rain and thunderstorms. Heat to continue for next 4 days Despite scattered rainfall, the overall heat intensity is expected to continue for at least the next four days. Daytime temperatures will remain high, and warm nights will add to public discomfort, especially in western districts. Advisory issued for residents The Meteorological Department has issued a public advisory urging people to take precautions against heat-related illnesses. Residents have been advised to: April emerges as peak heat month Officials say April and May are typically the hottest months in the region, similar to how December-January mark peak winter and July-August see maximum rainfall. This year, however, the intensity of heat in April has been particularly high, with temperatures rising rapidly in the second half of the month. With fluctuating weather patterns—heatwaves combined with rain and storms—the state continues to experience extreme and unpredictable conditions, impacting both daily life and agriculture.