Bhopal, May 1 (NationPress) Light to moderate rainfall, along with thunderstorms, lightning, and gusty winds reaching speeds of 40-50 km/h, with gusts up to 60 km/h, is anticipated in Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh until May 5, as per an official report.

The local meteorological office predicts thundersqualls in regions of East Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh, with wind speeds hitting 50-60 km/h and gusts potentially reaching 70 km/h, specifically from May 2 to May 4.

Isolated hailstorms are also predicted for East Madhya Pradesh on May 2 and 3, and in Chhattisgarh on May 3.

Significant weather changes have been noted in districts including Bhopal, Vidisha, Raisen, Sehore, Rajgarh, Narmadapuram, Ratlam, Ujjain, Agar, Mandsaur, Neemuch, Guna, Ashoknagar, Shivpuri, Gwalior, Datia, Bhind, Morena, Sheopur, Singrauli, Sidhi, Rewa, Mauganj, Anuppur, Shahdol, Umaria, Dindori, Katni, Mandla, Balaghat, Chhatarpur, Tikamgarh, and Niwari.

An upper-air cyclonic circulation over southwest Rajasthan, observed at about 0.9 kilometers above sea level, is contributing to this abrupt weather shift, the weather department noted.

Another circulation is present over central southeast Rajasthan, extending up to 1.5 kilometers in altitude. A north-south trough stemming from this system in Rajasthan to northern Kerala passes through West Madhya Pradesh, according to meteorological reports.

Rainfall in the past 24 hours has been sporadic in areas like Ujjain, Shahdol, and Bhopal, while other regions remained dry. The highest temperatures recorded were 43.2°C in Khargone, 43.1°C in Khandwa, and 43.0°C in Ratlam.

Conversely, the lowest temperatures were noted at 18.0°C in Pachmarhi (Narmadapuram district), 19.0°C in Amarkantak, and 20.0°C in Kalyanpur, both located in Shahdol district.

The Meteorological Department has issued a warning for thunderstorms accompanied by lightning and gusty winds, expected to travel at 40-50 kilometers per hour, affecting numerous districts within the state. Residents are advised to remain cautious.

In Simga town, Chhattisgarh, gusty winds caused significant damage by uprooting trees and destroying man-made structures. Reports indicate that a toll plaza was severely damaged, collapsing onto the roadway.

A roadside shed in Devendra Nagar also collapsed, crushing several parked vehicles. Efforts to clear debris and restore normalcy are being made with the assistance of earthmoving machines.

The Meteorological Department has issued alerts for storms and rain across the state for the upcoming four days, advising residents to exercise caution.