Severe Heatwave Hits Madhya Pradesh; Farmer Dies Due to Lightning Strike

Severe Heatwave Hits Madhya Pradesh; Farmer Dies Due to Lightning Strike

Bhopal, April 20: A severe heatwave continues to grip Madhya Pradesh, causing distress among residents. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), temperatures are rising rapidly across several districts.

The Bhopal Meteorological Center reported that the highest maximum temperature reached 44.3 degrees Celsius in Naogaon (Chhatarpur), while the lowest was recorded at 19.4 degrees Celsius in Mandsaur.

Heatwave conditions persist in Ratlam, Chhindwara, Mandla, Malanjkhand, and Naogaon, with warm nights reported in Bhopal, Chhindwara, Mandla, and Narmadapuram.

Tragically, a farmer died due to a lightning strike in the Bhimpur block of Betul district. Police stated that the incident occurred near the village of Ghodida in the Titvi Gram Panchayat area on Sunday evening when the farmer, Kunwarsingh, was working in his field. Sudden weather changes brought heavy thunder and rain, during which he was struck by lightning.

In the last 24 hours, light rain was recorded in some parts of the Indore division, while the rest of the state remained dry.

Maximum temperatures in Bhopal, Ujjain, and Chambal divisions were 2.5 to 2.8 degrees Celsius above normal, while Gwalior, Rewa, Jabalpur, Shahdol, and Sagar divisions experienced increases of 3.4 to 3.8 degrees Celsius.

Minimum temperatures also saw a rise, with Bhopal, Jabalpur, and Shahdol divisions recording temperatures 2.4 to 3 degrees Celsius above normal.

The IMD has forecasted thunderstorms with lightning, strong winds of 40–50 km/h, and hail in several districts, including Bhopal, Vidisha, Raisen, Sehore, Narmadapuram, Betul, Harda, Khandwa, Indore, and Jabalpur.

Farmers have been advised to take necessary precautions to protect crops, fruits, and vegetables from hail and strong winds.

Residents are also warned to stay indoors during storms, avoid standing under trees, and unplug electrical devices.

According to the IMD, no significant temperature changes are expected over the next two days, but a rise of 2–3 degrees Celsius may occur thereafter.

A new western disturbance is likely to become active in the western Himalayan region from April 23, which could impact weather conditions in North India.

In Bhopal and surrounding areas, partial cloud cover, light rain, and winds at 10–12 km/h are anticipated. Daytime temperatures are expected to hover around 39 degrees Celsius, with nighttime temperatures around 26 degrees Celsius.

The IMD advises people to stay hydrated, avoid outdoor exposure during peak sunlight, and pay special attention to children, the elderly, and animals.

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