Bhopal, April 20 (IANS) Madhya Pradesh continues to reel under intense heat conditions, with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) reporting soaring temperatures across several districts.
According to the Meteorological Centre in Bhopal, the highest maximum temperature in the state was recorded at 44.3 degrees Celsius in Nowgong (Chhatarpur), while the lowest minimum temperature stood at 19.4 degrees Celsius in Mandsaur.
Heatwave conditions prevailed in Ratlam, Chhindwara, Mandla, Malanjkhand, and Nowgong, while warm nights were reported in Bhopal, Chhindwara, Mandla, and Narmadapuram.
Meanwhile, a farmer died after being struck by lightning in a village in the Bhimpur block of Betul district. According to the police, the incident occurred on Sunday evening near Ghodida village, under the jurisdiction of the Titvi gram panchayat, while the farmer, Kunwarsingh, was working in his field. The weather suddenly changed, bringing heavy thunder, lightning, and rain; it was during this time that he was struck by lightning.
Over the past 24 hours, rainfall was observed at isolated places in the Indore division, while the rest of the state remained largely dry.
Maximum temperatures were above normal by 2.5 degrees Celsius to 2.8 degrees Celsius in districts of the Bhopal, Ujjain, and Chambal divisions, and appreciably higher by 3.4 degrees to 3.8 degrees in the Gwalior, Rewa, Jabalpur, Shahdol, and Sagar divisions.
Minimum temperatures also rose significantly, with the Bhopal, Jabalpur, and Shahdol divisions recording increases of 2.4 degrees Celsius to 3 degrees C above normal.
The IMD has forecast thunderstorms accompanied by lightning, gusty winds of 40–50 kmph, and possible hail in several districts, including Bhopal, Vidisha, Raisen, Sehore, Narmadapuram, Betul, Harda, Khandwa, Indore, and Jabalpur.
Farmers have been advised to take precautionary measures to protect standing crops, fruits, and vegetables from potential damage due to hailstorms and strong winds.
Residents have been urged to remain indoors during thunderstorms, avoid sheltering under trees, and keep electrical appliances unplugged to minimise risks.
Looking ahead, the IMD predicts no significant change in maximum temperatures over the next two days, followed by a rise of 2–3 degrees Celsius.
A new western disturbance is expected to affect the western Himalayan region from April 23, which may influence weather patterns in northern India.
For Bhopal and nearby areas, the forecast indicates partly cloudy skies with chances of light rain, wind speeds of 10–12 km/h, and temperatures hovering around 39 degrees C during the day and 26 degrees C at night.
With heatwave conditions persisting, the IMD has advised people to stay hydrated, avoid outdoor activity during peak afternoon hours, and take special care of children, the elderly, and livestock.
–IANS
sktr/pgh
