Temperatures cross 43°C in 15 MP cities:Khandwa hottest in state; mobile phones shut down in Ratlam heat, markets deserted in Bhopal

Madhya Pradesh is witnessing intense heatwave conditions, with the Indore and Ujjain divisions experiencing the highest temperatures. On Saturday, temperatures crossed 44°C in Nowgong and Khandwa, while 15 cities recorded maximum temperatures of 43°C or above. In Ratlam, the heat was reportedly so intense that mobile phones shut down under direct sunlight. Meanwhile, markets in Bhopal wore a deserted look as people avoided stepping outdoors. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD) office in Bhopal, severe heatwave conditions are expected on Sunday in Ratlam, Khargone and Khandwa, where temperatures may again cross 44°C. Heatwave alert issued in several districts The IMD has issued a heatwave alert for Indore, Ujjain, Jhabua, Alirajpur, Barwani, Dhar, Burhanpur, Agar Malwa, Rajgarh, Guna, Ashoknagar, Vidisha, Raisen, Sagar, Damoh, Niwari, Tikamgarh, Chhatarpur, Panna, Satna, Rewa, Maihar, Mauganj, Sidhi and Singrauli districts. Severe heat conditions are also expected in Bhopal, Jabalpur, Gwalior, Bhind, Morena, Datia, Shivpuri, Sheopur, Neemuch, Mandsaur, Shajapur, Dewas, Sehore, Narmadapuram, Betul, Narsinghpur, Chhindwara, Pandhurna, Seoni, Balaghat, Mandla, Dindori, Anuppur, Shahdol, Umaria and Katni. Advisory: Avoid going out between noon and 3 PM Meteorologist H.S. Pandey said the impact of the heat would be most severe between 12 pm and 3 pm. He advised people to step out only if absolutely necessary during these hours. According to the weather department, most parts of Madhya Pradesh will continue to experience severe heat over the next three days — May 17, 18 and 19. Rainfall recorded on 13 of first 16 days of May Before the current heatwave, Madhya Pradesh witnessed frequent storms and rainfall beginning April 30. Rainfall continued for 11 consecutive days until May 10 due to the influence of western disturbances, cyclonic circulations and trough systems. Although the weather briefly cleared on May 11, thunderstorms and rain returned between May 12 and May 15. As a result, 13 out of the first 16 days of May witnessed rain, storms or hail in different parts of the state. However, the weather department has not issued any rain alert for Sunday. IMD issues heat safety advisory With temperatures rising sharply, the IMD has issued a public advisory urging people to remain hydrated and drink sufficient water throughout the day. Residents have been advised to avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight and wear light-coloured cotton clothes. Special caution has been advised for children and elderly people. Authorities reiterated that the period between 12 pm and 3 pm would remain the hottest part of the day and recommended staying indoors unless necessary.