Khajuraho hottest in MP as mercury hits 44.8°C:Bhopal records second-hottest day in 10 years and season’s peak, heatwave alert issued for 15 districts

Madhya Pradesh is reeling under intense heat, with the popular tourist destination Khajuraho emerging as the hottest place in the state. On Tuesday, the temperature there touched 44.8°C, while Bhopal recorded 43.6°C—its hottest day of the season and the second-highest in the last 10 years. Heatwave alert issued for 15 districts Due to an active cyclonic circulation system, northern regions—including the Gwalior, Chambal, and Sagar divisions—have seen a slight dip in temperatures. Despite this, a heatwave alert has been issued for 15 districts on Wednesday. These include Gwalior, Sheopur, Morena, Bhind, Datia, Niwari, Chhatarpur, Panna, Satna, Rewa, Vidisha, Sagar, Raisen, Mandla, and Chhindwara. Rain likely in parts of the state According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), Bhopal, heatwave conditions will prevail during the day in districts such as Gwalior, Morena, Bhind, Datia, Niwari, Tikamgarh, Panna, Satna, and Rewa. However, weather conditions may change after evening, with chances of thunderstorms and rainfall. Rain is also likely in Mauganj, Sidhi, Singrauli, Balaghat, Seoni, and Betul. In pictures, the heat situation Advisory: Avoid stepping out during peak hours Amid the heatwave warning, the Meteorological Department has advised people to avoid going outdoors between 12 noon and 3 pm unless absolutely necessary, as this is when heatwave intensity peaks. Bhopal is expected to continue experiencing severe heat conditions. Temperatures cross 44°C in several cities On Tuesday, several cities, including Khajuraho, recorded temperatures above 44°C. Khajuraho remained the hottest at 44.8°C, though it saw a slight drop of 1.2°C compared to Monday. Other major readings: Among major cities Bhopal records second-hottest April day in a decade Between 2017 and 2025, Bhopal crossed 43.7°C only once—on April 30, 2019. This makes April 28, 2026, the second-hottest day in the past decade. The all-time highest April temperature in Bhopal remains 44.4°C, recorded on April 29, 1996. Heat safety advisory issued With temperatures rising sharply, authorities have issued safety guidelines: April marks peak summer onset According to the Meteorological Department, just as December–January are peak winter months and July–August see the most rainfall, April and May mark peak summer in Madhya Pradesh, with April already witnessing extreme heat conditions.