Madhya Pradesh residents preparing for Holi celebrations may face rain and thunderstorms as a fresh western disturbance moves in from the Himalayan region, the India Meteorological Department has warned. The system became active from March 2 and is expected to bring changeable weather, particularly to the Gwalior-Chambal region.
The IMD’s Bhopal weather centre confirmed that two cyclonic circulation systems are currently active in the western part of the country. A trough running through the state has added to the instability, bringing cloudy skies to several districts including Bhopal on Friday. Despite the overcast conditions, no significant rainfall occurred during the day.
Temperatures Climb Across the State
Temperatures continued to rise on Friday, with the state feeling more like April than late February. Khargone recorded the highest daytime reading at 34.8 degrees Celsius. Bhopal reached 32.4 degrees, Gwalior 32.7 degrees, and Ujjain and Jabalpur both hit 33 degrees. Indore recorded 31.2 degrees. Pachmarhi, the state’s only hill station, offered some relief at 27.6 degrees Celsius.
Night temperatures have also climbed. Sagar recorded the highest minimum at 18.4 degrees Celsius, followed by Narmadapuram at 18.2 degrees. Pachmarhi remained the coolest overnight, dropping to 9.6 degrees.
The state saw four separate bouts of disruptive weather through February. Two early rounds of hail, rain, and thunderstorms caused significant crop damage, prompting the state government to launch a survey of affected farmland. A third spell ran from February 18 to 21, followed by a fourth hail and rain episode on February 23 and 24.
The most recent weather event struck over 20 districts on February 24 and 25, driven by cyclonic activity and trough conditions. Hailstorms damaged wheat and chickpea crops across several districts, deepening losses already suffered by farmers earlier in the month.
Saturday Clear, But Holi Outlook Uncertain
The IMD has forecast clear skies for Saturday with no rain alerts issued across the state. However, with the western disturbance approaching, conditions could shift heading into the Holi period. Residents in northern parts of the state are advised to monitor updated forecasts closely.
Support Us To Sustain Independent Environmental Journalism In India.
Keep Reading
Highway Halt Puts Kashmirโs Fruit Economy at Risk
Railway line expansion plan put Kashmirโs apple orchards at risk
Warmer winters in Kashmir raise concerns over apple and crop yields
