Across Madhya Pradesh, a season of simmering skies has given way to the prospect of a full-blown heatwave, with forecasts warning that temperatures in the city and several western districts could climb into the mid-40s by the weekend. On Monday, Bhopal recorded a maximum of 41.2 degrees Celsius, with officials saying the mercury may rise gradually by 2 to 4 degrees over the next four days, pointing toward potential heatwave conditions in the city itself.
Bhopal Temperature Forecast
According to meteorological forecasts for the state capital, the maximum temperature in Bhopal could touch 45 degrees Celsius by the weekend. This would mark a significant increase from the current levels, and residents are advised to take precautions against the heat.
Districts Under Heatwave Warning
Heatwave conditions are likely in Ratlam, Ujjain, Jhabua, Dhar, Alirajpur, and Barwani districts on Tuesday. On Wednesday, the same warning is expected to extend to Agar Malwa, Rajgarh, Ratlam, Ujjain, Shajapur, Jhabua, Dhar, Indore, Alirajpur, Barwani, Khargone, and Khandwa. These areas are likely to experience temperatures that could pose health risks, especially for vulnerable populations.
Hottest Spot in the State
On Monday, Ratlam was the state's hottest spot, with a maximum of 45 degrees Celsius. While scattered, isolated rainfall was recorded in parts of Sagar division over the last 24 hours, most of the state remained dry, and the heatwave impact lingered in Ratlam. Officials say no significant change occurred in maximum temperatures across divisions: they stayed 3.5 degrees below normal in Rewa, 1.8 to 2.8 degrees below in Gwalior, Chambal, Jabalpur, Shahdol, and Sagar, and 2.3 degrees above normal in Ujjain, with the rest near normal. Minimums also saw little shift, falling 1.9 to 2.9 degrees below in Bhopal and Jabalpur, 2.8 degrees above in Chambal, and staying normal elsewhere.
Residents in the affected areas are advised to stay hydrated, avoid direct sun exposure during peak hours, and follow local advisories. The heatwave is expected to persist through the week, with no immediate relief in sight.
