Bhopal recorded its hottest night in four years on Monday as the minimum temperature jumped 4.2 degrees in a single day to reach 27.8 degrees Celsius 5.2 degrees above normal. The sharp overnight rise marked the first hot night of the season across Madhya Pradesh.
Daytime temperatures in the city stayed slightly lower, with the mercury reaching 39.8 degrees โ two degrees below Sunday’s peak. While the days cooled slightly, the nights intensified.
Narmadapuram recorded the state’s hottest night at 28.2 degrees Celsius. Khajuraho topped the daytime heat chart at 43 degrees, followed by Datia at 42.3 degrees, and Gwalior at 42.5 degrees. Bhopal, Indore, and Ujjain each reached 39.5 to 39.8 degrees during the day.
First Warm Night Alert Issued
The India Meteorological Department issued its first warm night alert of the season for nine districts including Bhopal, Sehore, Raisen, Narmadapuram, Chhindwara, Pandhurna, Seoni, Mandla, and Balaghat.
“When the minimum night temperature is 4.5 to 6.4 degrees above normal and the daytime temperature is 40 degrees or above, we classify it as a warm night,” a Meteorological Department official stated. “If the difference exceeds 6.4 degrees, the situation is categorised as a severe warm night. We have not reached that level yet in the state.”
A heatwave alert is in place for 16 districts including Gwalior, Ratlam, and Chhatarpur for Wednesday.
The sustained heat has changed daily life across the state. Streets in major cities fall quiet by afternoon. Residents step out only for essential tasks. Many women and young girls cover their faces with cloth to shield themselves from the sun.
Scattered Rain Brings Brief Relief
Some districts saw brief weather changes on Monday. Light rain and thundershowers were reported in Khargone, Indore, Sehore, Sagar, Ashoknagar, and several other areas. Bhopal saw a late morning sun before conditions stabilised.
The Meteorological Department attributed the fluctuation to an active cyclonic circulation and a weather trough in the state’s eastern region. A western disturbance is expected to activate near the western Himalayas around April 23, though its effect on Madhya Pradesh is likely to remain limited.
Temperatures are expected to stay elevated in both day and night over the coming days. Rising humidity will add to the discomfort. Residents are advised to drink water regularly, stay indoors during afternoon hours, wear light cotton clothing, and give extra attention to children and the elderly.
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