- Mercury soars to 43.6°C, heatwave intensifies
Bhopal, – The summer sun has tightened its grip on Madhya Pradesh, pushing temperatures across the state to alarming levels. On Thursday, Narmadapuram sizzled at 43.6°C, ranking it among the top 10 hottest cities in India for the day. Twenty cities in the state have now breached the 40°C mark, with heatwave conditions prevailing in Ratlam and other regions.
According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), intense hot winds from neighboring Gujarat and Rajasthan have fueled the rise in temperatures. The situation is expected to worsen on Friday, with no immediate relief in sight.
As the third week of April unfolds, northwesterly winds are expected to gain strength, keeping minimum temperatures between 25°C and 27°C across divisions including Indore, Bhopal, Gwalior, Chambal, Sagar, Rewa, and Narmadapuram. Daytime highs are forecasted to remain between 42°C and 44°C, with a high likelihood of heatwave conditions prevailing for 2 to 3 days. Light rainfall is possible in isolated areas, offering slight but temporary respite.
Moving into the fourth week, the northwesterly winds will intensify further, potentially raising minimum night-time temperatures by 3 to 4 degrees above normal — ranging from 27°C to 30°C. This means that not only will the days remain hot, but nights too will offer little comfort.
Gwalior, Chambal, Sagar, and Rewa divisions may see highs touching 45°C, while other regions including Indore, Ujjain, and Bhopal could hover between 41°C and 44°C. Additionally, due to a cyclonic circulation over the Bay of Bengal, a fresh spell of intense heat and dry winds is expected to sweep the state in the final days of April.
Citizens are advised to stay hydrated, limit outdoor activities during peak hours, and take all necessary precautions as Madhya Pradesh battles an increasingly severe heatwave.
