A severe heatwave has swept across half of Madhya Pradesh, pushing temperatures above 45 degrees Celsius in several districts and prompting the India Meteorological Department (IMD) to issue orange alerts across multiple divisions.
On Wednesday, Khajuraho in Chhatarpur district recorded the highest temperature in the state at 45.4 degrees Celsius. Ratlam followed at 45.2 degrees Celsius, and Dhar reached 45 degrees Celsius. Across the state, 12 cities crossed the 44-degree mark in a single day.
Among major cities, Ujjain was the hottest at 44.7 degrees Celsius. Indore recorded 43.6 degrees Celsius, Bhopal 43.2 degrees Celsius, Jabalpur 42.7 degrees Celsius, and Gwalior 42 degrees Celsius.
Orange Alert Issued for Indore and Ujjain Divisions
The IMD has placed Indore, Ujjain, Dhar, and Ratlam on an orange alert for intense heat on Thursday. The department has also issued a warm night warning for Indore, Ujjain, and Dhar, meaning temperatures will stay dangerously high even after sunset.
Districts including Jhabua, Alirajpur, Barwani, Khargone, Khandwa, Burhanpur, Harda, Narmadapuram, Dewas, Sehore, Shajapur, Agar-Malwa, and Rajgarh are also under heat wave conditions.
“There will be intense heat in the state for the next four days,” said Arun Sharma, Meteorologist at IMD Bhopal. He added that the Indore and Ujjain divisions will bear the worst of the conditions, while heat wave warnings are also in place for Bhopal, Gwalior, and Jabalpur divisions. The alert runs until May 17.
Weather Whiplash After Weeks of Rain
The sudden heat follows an unusually wet start to May. Rain, thunderstorms, and hail affected most of Madhya Pradesh for 11 of the first 13 days of the month. Jabalpur and Seoni received rain on Wednesday, and hail fell in Pandhurna. As of Thursday, no rain is forecast anywhere in the state.
The Meteorological Department has urged residents to avoid going outdoors during afternoon hours. Officials advised drinking adequate water, wearing light-coloured cotton clothing, and keeping the body hydrated. Special precautions have been recommended for children and the elderly.
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