- Nautapa from today, no hope of early relief
Chronicle Reporter, Bhopal
The intense heat persists in Madhya Pradesh today, particularly affecting the southwestern region of the state. Temperatures have risen significantly in many areas due to a heat wave. In Ratlam, the mercury climbed by nearly one degree from yesterday, reaching 46.2 degrees Celsius.
With Nautapa starting from today, the weatherman has predicted that there is no possibility of an early relief from the intense heat and mercury may climb to 47 degrees mark in coming days at some places in the state, while it is already close to 49 degrees in neighbouring Rajasthan.
Meteorological Center scientists in Bhopal said a period of severe heat was seen across the state in the past twenty-four hours, with the greatest impact observed in the southwestern part of Madhya Pradesh, where temperatures surged due to the heat wave.
According to the information received from the Meteorological Department, Ratlam was the hottest city of the state, where the mercury rose to 46.2 degrees Celsius.
Mercury may reach close to 47 degrees
Meteorologists have issued an alert of severe heat in the state during the next 24 to 48 hours. During this period, the entire state may remain in the grip of heat, at some places the mercury is likely to reach close to 47 degrees Celsius.
The effect of scorching heat continued in the capital Bhopal and its surrounding areas even today. Normal life was affected due to hot winds throughout the day. However, compared to yesterday, the mercury here dropped by almost one degree Celsius and was recorded at 43.7 degrees Celsius. There was an increase in the night temperature here, which was 31.2 degrees Celsius. The scorching heat is expected to continue here for the coming few days.
Apart from this, heat wave has also affected in Khandwa, Khargone and Dhar, where the mercury remained above 45 degrees Celsius. Khandwa recorded a day temperature of 45.5 degrees, Dhar 45.3 degrees, Khargone 45.2 degrees Celsius. At the same time, the mercury remained between 40 to 44 degrees Celsius at most places in the state. Normal life remained affected due to continuous heat.
12 die in Rajasthan, red alert issued
Meanwhile in neighbouring Rajasthan, the government has officially confirmed the deaths due to heat stroke in the last three days in Rajasthan. Disaster Management Minister of Rajasthan Government, Dr. Kirodi Lal Meena said on Friday that 12 people have died due to heat stroke in the state. The minister has announced to give relief package to the families of all these people.
Minister Dr. Kirori Lal Meena said, ‘The heat is intense in the state. Due to this, 12 people have died in Rajasthan. The disaster department has instructed the people of the state to be cautious. This is a natural disaster. There is no such temperature in the month of May, but global warming is a big reason. The department has instructed citizens to take precautions. Guidelines have been issued. People are being advised to come out of the house only when there is important work. If someone is careless, he will suffer from heat.
This news comes when Rajasthan’s Barmer city topped the temperature charts with a record 48.8 C on Friday this week. Weather officials have warned of conditions ranging from heat wave to severe heat wave in many parts of the state. IMD has issued red alert for the next three days in most parts of Rajasthan.
