IMD issues warnings for widespread thunderstorms, hailstorms, and gusty winds across Madhya Pradesh until May 8; major cities report sharp temperature drop and heavy rainfall.

Four-Day Weather Disruption to Continue Across Madhya Pradesh

Bhopal, May 6 The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a statewide alert for thunderstorms, rain, and hail in Madhya Pradesh from now until May 8. With an active Western Disturbance, cyclonic circulation, and a trough line influencing the region, gusty winds reaching up to 60 km/h and widespread storm activity are forecast across both western and eastern parts of the state.

On Sunday, Indore recorded an intense spell of rain, logging 70 mm (nearly 3 inches) of rainfall within 9 hours, while Bhopal, Ujjain, Dewas, and Khandwa saw hailstorms accompanied by strong winds. The same weather pattern is expected to persist, affecting daily life, agriculture, and infrastructure across MP.

Regional Alerts: Hail and High-Speed Winds Expected in Multiple Districts

According to IMD Bhopal, different zones of the state will experience varied intensities of adverse weather over the next four days:

Rain and Hailstorm Alerts (Eastern MP)

• Districts: Maihar, Umaria, Shahdol, Anuppur, Dindori, Mandla, Balaghat, Seoni, Chhindwara, Pandhurna

• Conditions: Rain, thunderstorms with hail, moderate winds (up to 50–60 km/h)

High Wind Alert (Northern MP)

• Districts: Gwalior, Morena, Bhind, Datia, Sheopur, Shivpuri

• Conditions: Winds exceeding 60 km/h, with possible storm damage

Rain, Thunderstorm, and Light Hail (Central and Western MP)

• Districts: Bhopal, Indore, Jabalpur, Ujjain, Neemuch, Mandsaur, Ratlam, Jhabua, Dhar, Burhanpur, Khargone, Khandwa, Harda, Dewas, Shajapur, Agar Malwa, Rajgarh, Guna, Ashoknagar, Vidisha, Raisen, Narmadapuram, Betul, Narsinghpur, Sagar, Damoh, Katni, Niwari, Tikamgarh, Chhatarpur, Panna, Satna, Rewa, Mauganj, Sidhi, Singrauli

All regions are advised to prepare for thunderstorm activity, lightning strikes, and crop damage due to hail.

Rainfall Data and Temperature Drop

Heavy rain and storms on Sunday led to sharp dips in daytime temperatures across the state:

• Indore: 36.2°C (after 70 mm rainfall)

• Bhopal: 37°C

• Gwalior: 38.5°C

• Ujjain: 41°C

• Jabalpur: 37.5°C

However, several districts such as Khargone (42.4°C), Khandwa (42.5°C), Narsinghpur (42°C), and Khajuraho (40.8°C) remained hot, though a further drop is expected due to upcoming rain.

A 3–4°C fall in temperatures has been observed in just one day across central MP.

Expert Insight: Why Is MP Experiencing This Weather?

Dr. Arun Sharma, Senior Meteorologist at IMD Bhopal, attributes the current spell of extreme weather to:

• Western Disturbance affecting upper air circulation

• Cyclonic circulation formed over central India

• Trough line stretching across the region

These systems are enhancing moisture convergence, leading to frequent thundercloud development, and thereby hail, gusty winds, and localized heavy rain.

Long-Term Forecast: May Remains MP’s Hottest Month

As per historical data from the last 10 years, May is typically the hottest month in Madhya Pradesh, with temperatures often reaching:

• 47–48°C in Gwalior, Khajuraho, Chhatarpur, Niwari, Bhind, Datia, Shivpuri, Vidisha, Rajgarh, and Raisen

• Bhopal: 44–45°C

• Indore, Jabalpur, Ujjain: Up to 44°C

• Gwalior and Chambal divisions may experience extreme heatwaves post this current rain spell

Outlook Based on April Weather Patterns

April 2025 was characterized by frequent temperature fluctuations, with:

• Week 1–3: Strong heat buildup (39–44°C) followed by thunderstorm spells

• Week 4: Statewide shift as Western Disturbance and cyclonic systems triggered rain and hail in 80% of the state

• Northwestern winds also caused variability in night temperatures, keeping minimum readings between 25–27°C

These dynamic conditions have carried into May, altering early summer expectations and bringing temporary relief from heat in multiple districts.

Government Advisory and Safety Measures

Local administrations and the State Disaster Management Authority have been placed on alert. Residents and farmers are advised to:

• Stay indoors during thunderstorms

• Secure loose structures and electric poles

• Avoid working in open fields during lightning alerts

• Cover or harvest crops vulnerable to hail damage

• Postpone pesticide or fertilizer sprays

The government has also asked for crop damage assessment surveys, and early compensation processing where losses have occurred.

Conclusion

With Madhya Pradesh experiencing a statewide weather alert till May 8, and storm systems showing no immediate signs of weakening, residents should prepare for continued unsettled weather. While the rain offers temporary respite from heat, hailstorms, gusty winds, and flash rains pose significant risks to life, crops, and infrastructure.

IMD continues to monitor atmospheric developments closely. Timely updates and public cooperation will be essential for safety and damage control during this period.