IMD warns of storms, 50 kmph winds across Madhya Pradesh on May 2
Synopsis
Madhya Pradesh is in the grip of sharp atmospheric turbulence — temperatures in Rewa and Shahdol have crashed by over 10 degrees in a single day, while 50 kmph winds and hailstorms batter districts from Gwalior to Singrauli. With multiple cyclonic systems active simultaneously, the IMD is urging farmers to act fast before the next round of storms hits on 2 May.
Key Takeaways
IMD Bhopal has issued a weather alert for Madhya Pradesh valid from 1–2 May 2025 , warning of thunderstorms, lightning, and strong winds.
Wind speeds of up to 50 kmph are forecast in eastern districts, including Sidhi and Balaghat .
Maximum temperatures in Rewa and Shahdol divisions fell by as much as 10.3 degrees Celsius in the past 24 hours .
Khargone recorded the state's highest temperature at 42.6°C ; Pachmarhi logged the lowest minimum at 17.2°C .
Over 30 mm of rainfall was recorded in Tikamgarh and Bhitarwar ; hailstorms hit Bhopal , Gwalior , and Singrauli .
Authorities have urged residents to stay indoors during storms and advised farmers to harvest mature crops immediately.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) in Bhopal has issued a weather alert for Madhya Pradesh on 1 May 2025, flagging significant atmospheric instability and a temporary cooling trend across the state. The department has warned of continued rough weather into 2 May (Saturday), with thunderstorms, lightning, and strong winds forecast across multiple districts.
Districts on Alert for May 2
The IMD forecast predicts isolated rainfall or drizzle accompanied by thunderstorms and lightning across several districts, including Gwalior, Rewa, Jabalpur, and Panna. Winds are expected to be particularly strong in eastern districts, with speeds reaching up to 50 kmph in areas such as Sidhi and Balaghat.
In the state capital Bhopal, skies are likely to remain partly cloudy, with daytime temperatures hovering around 39 degrees Celsius and night temperatures dropping to approximately 23 degrees Celsius.
Sharp Temperature Drop Over Past 24 Hours
Over the previous 24 hours, Madhya Pradesh recorded a sharp fall in temperatures, particularly across the Rewa and Shahdol divisions, where maximum temperatures plunged by as much as 10.3 degrees Celsius. Minimum temperatures also declined notably in the Gwalior and Shahdol divisions.
Despite the widespread cooling, Khargone recorded the state's highest temperature at 42.6 degrees Celsius, while Pachmarhi registered the lowest minimum at 17.2 degrees Celsius.
Synoptic Systems Driving the Instability
The current weather pattern is being driven by multiple atmospheric systems. A western disturbance persists as a cyclonic circulation over Kashmir, with an associated trough extending further north. Lower-level cyclonic circulations are also active over north Punjab and the Gangetic West Bengal region.
These combined systems have already triggered widespread rainfall across the Shahdol, Gwalior, Chambal, and Rewa divisions. Tikamgarh and Bhitarwar recorded over 30 mm of rainfall. Severe weather — including hailstorms — was reported in districts such as Bhopal, Gwalior, and Singrauli, while dust storms affected Shivpuri and Damoh.
Outlook for the Coming Week
The IMD's week-ahead outlook indicates a gradual rise in maximum temperatures of around 2 degrees Celsius over the next two days, followed by a subsequent drop of 2 to 3 degrees Celsius. Authorities have advised residents to remain indoors during thunderstorms. Farmers have been specifically urged to harvest mature crops immediately to minimise potential damage from rain and strong winds.
Point of View
A north Punjab cyclonic circulation, and a Gangetic West Bengal system is not routine for early May — it signals an unusually compressed pre-monsoon stress event for central India. What stands out is the 10.3-degree single-day temperature crash in Rewa and Shahdol: that kind of thermal whiplash is hard on standing crops and outdoor labour alike. The advisory to farmers is well-timed, but the broader question is whether state disaster management infrastructure is calibrated for compound weather events — hailstorms, dust storms, and high winds occurring simultaneously across different divisions.
NationPress
3 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What weather alert has IMD issued for Madhya Pradesh on 2 May 2025?
The IMD has forecast thunderstorms, lightning, isolated rainfall, and winds of up to 50 kmph across several districts of Madhya Pradesh on 2 May 2025. Districts including Gwalior, Rewa, Jabalpur, Panna, Sidhi, and Balaghat are on alert.
Which districts in Madhya Pradesh are most affected by the current weather?
Eastern districts such as Sidhi and Balaghat face the strongest winds, while Rewa, Shahdol, Gwalior, Chambal, and Jabalpur divisions have seen widespread rainfall and thunderstorms. Tikamgarh and Bhitarwar recorded over 30 mm of rain.
Why has the temperature dropped so sharply in Madhya Pradesh?
The sharp temperature drop — up to 10.3 degrees Celsius in Rewa and Shahdol — is being driven by multiple synoptic systems: a western disturbance over Kashmir, a cyclonic circulation over north Punjab, and another over Gangetic West Bengal, all acting simultaneously.
What is the temperature forecast for Bhopal on 2 May 2025?
Bhopal is expected to remain partly cloudy with a maximum temperature of around 39 degrees Celsius during the day and approximately 23 degrees Celsius at night on 2 May 2025.
What precautions have authorities advised for residents and farmers?
Authorities have advised residents to remain indoors during thunderstorms. Farmers have been specifically urged to harvest mature crops immediately to minimise damage from rain, strong winds, and hailstorms.
