Two weather systems are pulling Madhya Pradesh in opposite directions this week, bringing scorching heat to the west and overcast skies to the east, with thunderstorms expected to sweep through later this week.
A cyclonic circulation combined with a trough line is driving the contrast. While clouds gathered over eastern and western districts on Tuesday, temperatures in Bhopal, Indore, and the Ujjain and Malwa-Nimad regions climbed sharply.
Khandwa recorded the day’s highest temperature at 38.1°C, with Ratlam close behind at 38°C. Narmadapuram, Khargone, and Raisen all touched 37.6°C or above, while Dhar, Mandla, and Narsinghpur crossed 36°C.
In the state’s five major cities, Ujjain led with 35.8°C. Jabalpur followed at 35.6°C, Indore at 35°C, Bhopal at 34.4°C, and Gwalior at 33.5°C. The heat is expected to persist through Wednesday with no significant relief in sight for western districts.
Alert for March 27–28
The Meteorological Department has issued a thunderstorm and rain alert across Madhya Pradesh for March 27 and 28.
Dr. Divya E. Surendran, Senior Weather Scientist, Meteorological Department, explained the cause:
“On March 26, a new Western Disturbance is active in northwestern India. Its effect will be seen in the districts of Gwalior, Chambal, Sagar and Rewa division for two days. Another new Western Disturbance may be active on March 28. This will also have an impact.”
A further system is expected to activate around March 29, potentially extending unsettled weather into the first days of April.
City-wise Temperatures and Forecast
| City | Temperature (°C) | Forecast |
|---|---|---|
| Khandwa | 38.1 | Hot, partly cloudy |
| Ratlam | 38.0 | Hot, partly cloudy |
| Narmadapuram | 37.8 | Hot, possible thunderstorm |
| Khargone | 37.6 | Hot, possible thunderstorm |
| Raisen | 37.6 | Hot, possible thunderstorm |
| Dhar | 36.5 | Overcast, rain likely |
| Mandla | 36.5 | Overcast, rain likely |
| Narsinghpur | 36.0 | Hot, partly cloudy |
| Ujjain | 35.8 | Hot, thunderstorm alert |
| Jabalpur | 35.6 | Overcast, rain alert |
| Indore | 35.0 | Hot, thunderstorm alert |
| Bhopal | 34.4 | Hot, thunderstorm alert |
| Gwalior | 33.5 | Overcast, rain alert |
| Rewa | — | Cloudy, light rain recorded |
| Sagar | — | Cloudy, light rain recorded |
While the west baked, the east saw a different picture. Light rain was recorded in Rewa and Sagar overnight on Monday, bringing temporary relief to those districts. Overcast skies continued to hang over several eastern and western parts of the state through Tuesday.
Farmers Demand Compensation
The past four days brought thunderstorms across 45 districts, driven by an active weather system. Hail struck 17 of those districts, battering banana, papaya, and wheat crops. Strong winds compounded the destruction. Farmers across affected areas, including Dhar and Khargone, are now demanding government compensation.
The state has seen near-continuous disruption since February. Hail, rain, and thunderstorms struck four separate times that month, prompting the government to survey damaged crops. March opened with a hot first fortnight before the first strong system of the season arrived, delivering three consecutive days of hail over four affected days.
The current western disturbances mark yet another chapter in what has been an unusually turbulent pre-summer period.
The Meteorological Department has warned of record-breaking heat in April and May. Temperatures could breach 45°C in Gwalior, Chambal, Jabalpur, Rewa, Shahdol, and Sagar divisions. Bhopal, Indore, Ujjain, and Narmadapuram will also face intense heat, though the mercury there is expected to stay somewhat lower.
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