A fresh western disturbance is bringing rain and thunderstorms to Madhya Pradesh on Friday, marking the third spell of unsettled weather in March. The India Meteorological Department has issued an alert for seven districts, with conditions expected to persist until March 30.
Gwalior, Bhind, Datia, Niwari, Tikamgarh, Chhatarpur, and Panna are on alert for rain and thunderstorms with wind speeds reaching 40 to 50 kilometres per hour within the next 24 hours.
Two Weather Systems Driving the Change
The system draws strength from an active western disturbance over the upper reaches of the state, combined with two cyclonic circulation systems in the west. Together, they are pushing moisture and instability across a wide area.
By March 30, rainfall is expected across roughly 28 districts spanning the Bhopal, Indore, Ujjain, Gwalior, Chambal, and Sagar divisions. Light drizzle may reach some areas as early as March 28, but the system will peak on March 30.
State Records Hottest Day of the Season
This comes just a day after Madhya Pradesh recorded its highest day temperature of the season. Narmadapuram hit 41.6 degrees Celsius on Thursday, the first time this March the mercury crossed 41 degrees anywhere in the state.
Crops Already Damaged by Two Earlier Spells
March has already seen two rounds of storms and hail. The first spell ran for four consecutive days and brought thunderstorms to over 45 districts, with hail battering 17 of them. Crops of wheat, papaya, and banana suffered significant damage. A government survey of affected farmland followed.
More Disruption Likely Into April
The meteorological department also warns that another western disturbance may activate from the night of March 28, potentially carrying unsettled weather into the first days of April.
Looking further ahead, forecasters predict an intense heat wave in April and May. Temperatures could cross 45 degrees Celsius in districts of the Gwalior, Chambal, Jabalpur, Rewa, Shahdol, and Sagar divisions.
City-wise Temperature and Weather Forecast
| City | Max Temp (°C) | Forecast |
|---|---|---|
| Narmadapuram | 41.6 | Rain from March 28 |
| Gwalior | 38.6 | Thunderstorm/Rain today |
| Ujjain | 37.7 | Rain by March 30 |
| Jabalpur | 37.5 | Rain by March 30 |
| Bhopal | 37.4 | Rain by March 30 |
| Indore | 37.2 | Rain by March 30 |
| Ratlam | 39.6 | Rain by March 30 |
| Guna | 38.6 | Rain by March 30 |
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