37 MP districts on heatwave alert; Khajuraho hits 47.4°C on May 20
Synopsis
With Khajuraho baking at 47.4°C — among the highest readings in India this season — Madhya Pradesh has placed 37 of its districts under heatwave alerts. The IMD sees no relief in sight, and health authorities are sounding the alarm for the elderly and children as the dry spell shows no sign of breaking.
Key Takeaways
Khajuraho recorded 47.4 degrees Celsius on 20 May , the highest temperature in Madhya Pradesh this heatwave season.
37 districts across the state have been placed under official heatwave alerts.
Western MP saw 42–44°C and eastern MP 43–45°C on 20 May ; similar or higher readings expected Thursday.
The IMD attributes the conditions to a prolonged dry spell with no significant weather system forecast to bring relief soon.
Health advisories urge residents to avoid outdoor exposure between noon and 4 pm and take special care of the elderly , children , and those with pre-existing conditions.
Madhya Pradesh is in the grip of a punishing heatwave, with 37 districts placed under official heatwave alerts and temperatures soaring well above seasonal norms. Khajuraho recorded the state's highest temperature of 47.4 degrees Celsius on 20 May, triggering heightened concern among authorities and residents across the state.
Temperature Readings Across the State
On 20 May, western Madhya Pradesh logged maximum temperatures between 42 and 44 degrees Celsius, while eastern districts ran hotter, ranging from 43 to 45 degrees Celsius. Heatwave conditions were officially recorded in Satna, Khajuraho, Mandla, Nougong, and Damoh.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD)'s Meteorological Centre in Bhopal has warned that most parts of the state are likely to see maximum temperatures between 43 and 45 degrees Celsius on Thursday, with several districts expected to remain under severe heatwave influence.
Districts Under Heatwave Alert
A total of 37 districts have been placed under heatwave alerts. These include Bhopal, Raisen, Vidisha, Sehore, Burhanpur, Khandwa, Khargone, Ratlam, Shajapur, Agar Malwa, Mandsaur, Neemuch, Guna, Ashoknagar, Shivpuri, Gwalior, Morena, Sheopur, Shahdol, Jabalpur, Narsinghpur, Mandla, Katni, Umaria, Balaghat, Dindori, Anuppur, Mauganj, Satna, Panna, Damoh, Sagar, Chhatarpur, Tikamgarh, and Niwari.
Why Relief Is Not Imminent
Meteorologists have attributed the sustained heat to a prolonged dry spell and the absence of any significant weather system that could bring cooling. The heat index — a combined measure of temperature and humidity — is also expected to remain elevated, compounding discomfort and health risks for the general population.
Notably, peak afternoon temperatures are making outdoor activity particularly hazardous, with conditions expected to persist without meaningful abatement in the near term.
Health Advisories and Precautions
Health authorities have issued detailed public advisories urging citizens to drink plenty of water, stay hydrated, and avoid direct sunlight between noon and 4 pm. Residents are advised to wear light-coloured, loose cotton clothing and use head covers, umbrellas, and sunglasses when stepping out.
Strenuous physical activity during peak heat hours should be avoided, with officials urging frequent breaks in shaded or air-conditioned spaces. The administration has specifically called on citizens to look out for the elderly, children, and those with pre-existing health conditions, who face the greatest risk during extreme heat events.
Authorities have urged residents to follow updates from the IMD and local administration closely as the heatwave continues.
Point of View
But alerts alone do not protect daily-wage workers, construction labourers, or farmers who cannot afford to stay indoors between noon and 4 pm. The IMD's forecast of no immediate relief puts the burden squarely on district administrations to operationalise cooling centres, enforce work-hour restrictions, and ensure drinking water access at scale — measures that rarely receive the same headline attention as the temperature readings themselves.
NationPress
7 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Which district recorded the highest temperature in Madhya Pradesh during the current heatwave?
Khajuraho recorded the highest temperature in Madhya Pradesh at 47.4 degrees Celsius on 20 May. The reading triggered heightened alerts from both meteorological and health authorities.
How many districts in Madhya Pradesh are under heatwave alert?
A total of 37 districts in Madhya Pradesh have been placed under heatwave alerts, spanning both western and eastern parts of the state. The list includes major urban centres such as Bhopal, Gwalior, Jabalpur, and Sagar.
When is heatwave relief expected in Madhya Pradesh?
The IMD has indicated no significant weather system is forecast in the immediate future that could bring relief. Temperatures are expected to remain between 43 and 45 degrees Celsius across most of the state on Thursday.
Who is most at risk during the Madhya Pradesh heatwave?
Health authorities have identified the elderly, children, and individuals with pre-existing health conditions as the most vulnerable groups. Officials have urged citizens to monitor these groups closely and follow IMD advisories.
What precautions has the government advised during the MP heatwave?
Authorities advise residents to stay indoors between noon and 4 pm, drink plenty of water, wear light-coloured loose cotton clothing, and use head covers and umbrellas. Strenuous outdoor activity during peak heat hours should be avoided entirely.
