Bhopal: Madhya Pradesh recorded unseasonal rainfall, hailstorms and sharp temperature fluctuations over the past 24 hours due to a persistent Western Disturbance affecting north Rajasthan and adjoining Punjab-Haryana regions, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) Bhopal centre said.

According to the IMD, isolated rainfall was reported in the Sagar division, with scattered showers in Bhopal, Indore, Ujjain and Chambal divisions. Gwalior division witnessed rainfall at many places, while the rest of the state remained largely dry.

Heaviest rainfall was recorded at Nalcha (26.2 mm), followed by Karhal (11 mm) and Kolaras (10 mm). Indore received 7.3 mm of rain, while Bhopal recorded 1.3 mm.

Gusty winds reaching 63 kmph were reported in Sheopur Kalan, accompanied by thunderstorms and lightning in Morena, Bhind, Gwalior and Indore districts. Hailstorms struck parts of Neemuch, Mandsaur, Sheopur Kalan and Rajgarh.

Sharp temperature variations

Northern districts saw a marked fall in maximum temperatures. Gwalior and Chambal divisions recorded a drop ranging between 6.2°C and 11.4°C, with departures up to 7°C below normal in some areas.

In contrast, Indore and Narmadapuram divisions recorded maximum temperatures 2.5°C to 2.6°C above normal. Elsewhere, temperatures remained near seasonal averages.

Minimum temperatures dipped by 2.5°C to 2.8°C in Ujjain and Chambal divisions, while several districts across Indore, Narmadapuram, Ujjain, Gwalior and Chambal recorded night temperatures 1.9°C to 3°C above normal.

Statewide, Khandwa recorded the highest maximum temperature at 34.1°C, while Khajuraho logged the lowest minimum at 9.2°C.

Forecast for February 19–23

IMD forecast maps indicate isolated rainfall in northern and central Madhya Pradesh, including Rewa, Sagar and Gwalior districts, until February 20 morning. Southern districts are expected to remain largely dry.

Thunderstorm and lightning warnings have been issued for Vidisha, Raisen, Ashoknagar, Shivpuri, Gwalior, Datia, Bhind, Rewa, Mauganj, Satna, Panna, Damoh, Sagar, Chhatarpur, Tikamgarh, Niwari and Maihar.

Gusty winds of 30–40 kmph are likely in parts of Vidisha, Rewa and Sagar clusters. Yellow alerts have been issued for isolated northern districts.

The IMD said maximum temperatures in northern Madhya Pradesh are expected to rise gradually by 2–4°C over the next 48 hours before stabilising. Minimum temperatures are likely to remain largely unchanged for the next five days.

Advisory for residents and farmers

The IMD has advised residents to remain indoors during thunderstorms, avoid sheltering under trees, stay away from water bodies and unplug electrical appliances during lightning activity. Livestock should be secured.

Farmers have been advised to protect standing crops, temporarily suspend fieldwork during adverse weather, irrigate as required and prepare for the upcoming summer sowing of sugarcane, groundnut, soybean and maize.

In Bhopal, partly cloudy skies with haze are expected, with winds at 20–22 kmph and temperatures around 26°C maximum and 14°C minimum.

The current weather pattern is linked to a weakening Western Disturbance and an associated trough system, with another system expected to approach the Himalayan region around February 22.

IANS