Madhya Pradesh to Experience April-Like Heat in March’s Last 15 Days, Heatwave Alert Issued for Four Days

Bhopal, March 15 With half of March already over, temperatures across Madhya Pradesh have begun to rise sharply, reaching 39.4°C in some areas. As a result, residents are avoiding stepping out during peak afternoon hours due to the intense heat. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted that temperatures will continue to increase in the coming days, with the last 15 days of March expected to bring April-like heat.

Most cities are likely to record temperatures exceeding 40°C.
A four-day heatwave alert has been issued.
April-May may witness up to 20 days of extreme heatwave conditions.
Indore, Ujjain, and the Gwalior-Chambal region are expected to be the most affected.

Sudden Shift in Weather Conditions

The first half of March in Madhya Pradesh exhibited mixed weather patterns.

• The first week was unusually cold, breaking 10-year records for minimum temperatures in Bhopal and other cities.
• Temperatures started rising sharply, leading to an early onset of summer conditions.
• Even Holi celebrations were marked by higher-than-usual temperatures.

According to the IMD, after March 15, as temperatures surpass 40°C, hot and dry winds will dominate multiple regions. However, before this transition, cities like Khajuraho, Narmadapuram, Ratlam, and Mandla have already recorded temperatures exceeding 39°C.

Temperature Readings Across Key Cities

On Friday, several major cities in Madhya Pradesh recorded temperatures beyond 36°C, with some approaching 40°C.

With temperatures rising steadily, Madhya Pradesh is expected to face one of its hottest March months in recent years.

Why is Madhya Pradesh Experiencing Extreme Heat in March?

The early heatwave conditions in Madhya Pradesh are attributed to multiple meteorological factors, including:

Absence of Western Disturbances, which typically bring occasional rainfall and cloud cover in March.
Prolonged dry weather, leading to rapid land heating.
Westerly winds carrying hot air from Rajasthan and Gujarat desert regions into central India.
Changing climate patterns, increasing frequency and intensity of heatwaves.

These factors are accelerating temperature spikes, making March feel like mid-April.

Heatwave Alerts & Weather Forecast for the Coming Days

IMD’s Forecast for the Rest of March:

March 16-20: Temperatures will continue to rise, reaching 41-42°C in multiple districts.
March 21-25: The heatwave will intensify, accompanied by dry and hot winds.
March 26-31: Indore, Ujjain, and Gwalior-Chambal will experience prolonged heatwave conditions, with temperatures potentially exceeding 42°C.

Residents are advised to take precautions as extreme heat conditions will persist throughout March.

Precautionary Measures for Residents

Authorities recommend the following safety measures during the upcoming heatwave:

Avoid stepping out between 12 PM – 4 PM, the hottest part of the day.
Stay hydrated by drinking water, buttermilk, and fruit juices regularly.
Wear loose-fitting, light-colored cotton clothes to stay cool.
Use caps, hats, and umbrellas when outdoors.
Apply sunscreen to protect against harmful UV radiation.
Elderly individuals and children should stay indoors as they are more vulnerable to heat-related illnesses.
Monitor local weather updates and plan activities accordingly.

What Lies Ahead for Madhya Pradesh’s Summer?

With the early onset of extreme summer temperatures, April and May could witness record-breaking heat levels. The most affected regions will likely be Indore, Ujjain, and the Gwalior-Chambal belt, experiencing intense and prolonged heatwave conditions.

As climate patterns shift, frequent and severe heatwaves are becoming more common, necessitating better preparedness and awareness among the population.