Madhya Pradesh is experiencing an unusually early heatwave in the second week of March, with temperatures surpassing 38°C in ten cities and warm winds sweeping through multiple districts for the first time this season.
Temperatures spike across the state
Narmadapuram recorded the state’s highest temperature on Thursday at 40.2°C. Ratlam reached 39.5°C, Khajuraho 39°C, and Dhar 38.8°C. In the state’s five major cities, Indore led at 37.8°C, followed by Ujjain at 37.5°C, Gwalior at 37.2°C, Bhopal at 37°C, and Jabalpur at 36.9°C.
The India Meteorological Department issued a heatwave alert for Ratlam and Dhar on Friday. Officials attributed the surge to dry winds blowing in from desert regions in the northwest, combined with very low atmospheric humidity.
Weather expert A.K. Shukla said no significant weather system is currently active over the state. “During the day, dry winds from the west and northwest are increasing the heat,” he said. “At night, clear skies allow heat to radiate quickly from the ground, causing temperatures to fall and bringing mild coolness.”
An unusual pattern for March
The early onset marks a departure from a decade-long trend. Over the past ten years, intense heat in Madhya Pradesh has typically arrived after March 15. This year, the mercury climbed sharply in the opening days of the month.
The meteorological department has warned that the worst heat is still ahead. Mercury could cross 45°C in the Gwalior, Chambal, Jabalpur, Rewa, Shahdol, and Sagar divisions during April and May. The department also recorded that average temperatures across twenty major cities have risen by four degrees over the past five years.
Rain expected to bring brief relief
A western disturbance becoming active on March 14 is expected to bring rain, clouds, and thunderstorms to parts of the state. On March 15, sixteen districts including Gwalior and Jabalpur are forecast to receive rainfall. A further fourteen eastern districts are expected to see changing weather on March 16.
In Bhopal, people have already begun adjusting to the conditions. Vehicle drivers were seen covering their faces with cloth to shield themselves from the heat and dust during the day.
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