Severe heatwave alert across Madhya Pradesh:Hot winds expected in 40 districts; IMD issues warning for 5 districts

Almost the entire state of Madhya Pradesh, except for a few eastern districts, is currently in the grip of a severe heatwave. The Meteorological Centre in Bhopal has issued a warning for extreme heat conditions across the state for the next four days. Hot winds are expected to blow across nearly 40 districts on Friday. An intense heatwave alert has been issued for Indore, Ujjain, Ratlam, Dhar, and Dewas for May 15, 16, and 17. Meteorologist HS Pandey advised people to avoid stepping outdoors during peak afternoon hours. “The impact of the heat will be strongest between 12 pm and 3 pm. People should leave their homes only if absolutely necessary,” he said. Shajapur and Nowgong record highest temperatures Severe heat conditions continued across the state on Thursday. Shajapur and Nowgong in Chhatarpur district recorded the highest maximum temperature at 44.8 degrees Celsius. Khargone recorded 44.6°C, while Khandwa and Ratlam touched 44.5°C. Temperatures reached 44.3°C in Khajuraho and 44°C in Raisen and Damoh. Among the state’s five major cities, Ujjain was the hottest at 44°C. Bhopal recorded 43.4°C, Jabalpur 43.3°C, Indore 43°C, and Gwalior 41.8°C. Warm night alert in Indore and Ujjain An orange alert for severe heatwave conditions has been issued for Indore, Ujjain, Ratlam, Dewas, and Dhar. Authorities have also warned of “warm nights,” meaning temperatures will remain unusually high even after sunset. Heatwave conditions are also expected in Bhopal, Gwalior, Sheopur, Morena, Bhind, Datia, Guna, Ashok Nagar, Sagar, Vidisha, Raisen, Narmadapuram, Rajgarh, Shajapur, Sehore, Harda, Khandwa, Burhanpur, Khargone, Barwani, Agar Malwa, Neemuch, Mandsaur, Jhabua, Alirajpur, Niwari, Chhatarpur, Tikamgarh, Damoh, Panna, Satna, Rewa, Mauganj, Sidhi, and Singrauli. Meanwhile, Jabalpur, Maihar, Katni, Umaria, Shahdol, Dindori, Anuppur, Mandla, Balaghat, Narsinghpur, Seoni, Chhindwara, Pandhurna, and Betul will continue to experience intense heat, although no formal heatwave alert has been issued for these districts. Rain and storms dominated most days of May Madhya Pradesh witnessed frequent storms and rainfall beginning April 30. The state received rain continuously for 11 days until May 10 due to the combined effects of western disturbances, cyclonic systems, and trough activity. The weather briefly cleared on May 11, but storm and rainfall activity returned on May 12, 13, and 14. As a result, 12 out of the first 14 days of May saw either rain, thunderstorms, or hailstorms somewhere in the state. No rainfall alert has been issued for Friday. Heatwave to continue for next four days The weather department has warned that the coming four days will remain extremely hot, with rising temperatures and dry weather conditions across most parts of the state. Advisory issued for public safety The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has advised residents to drink plenty of water and stay hydrated throughout the day. People have been urged to avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight, especially between noon and 3 pm. Authorities also recommended wearing light-coloured cotton clothes and taking special care of children and elderly people.