Madhya Pradesh is experiencing a stark split in weather on 7 May, with heatwave conditions gripping most of the state even as thunderstorms and rainfall batter isolated pockets in the Gwalior, Chambal, and Jabalpur divisions, according to the Meteorological Centre, Bhopal. Daytime temperatures are forecast to surge to 42–43 degrees Celsius across 44 districts, including Bhopal, Indore, Ujjain, and Jabalpur, even as parts of northern and eastern MP brace for gusty winds and lightning.

Temperature Extremes Across the State

Narsinghpur recorded the state's highest maximum temperature at 42.2 degrees Celsius, while Amarkantak remained the coolest at 33 degrees Celsius. On the minimum temperature front, Bhopal dipped 5.3 degrees below normal, and Amarkantak logged the state's lowest minimum at 16.1 degrees Celsius. Sheopur registered the highest minimum temperature at 26.2 degrees Celsius.

Gwalior and Rewa districts recorded departures of up to 5.8 degrees Celsius below normal, while the Bhopal, Indore, and Jabalpur divisions reported temperatures ranging from 1.6 to 2.9 degrees below average. Despite these below-normal readings, meteorologists warn the respite is short-lived.

Storm Alerts and Rainfall Recorded

The weather office has issued alerts for thunderstorms, lightning, and gusty winds of 40–50 kmph across 11 districts — Gwalior, Morena, Bhind, Datia, Niwari, Tikamgarh, Chhatarpur, Panna, Satna, Rewa, and Mauganj. Moderate thunderstorms with wind speeds of up to 60 kmph are expected over Sheopur Kalan, Kuno National Park, and southern parts of Morena district during Thursday evening.

In the past 24 hours, rainfall was recorded at Gohad (9.5 mm), Balaghat (9.4 mm), and Waraseoni (7.2 mm). Gusty winds reached 67 kmph at Gwalior Airport and 30 kmph in Betul. Light thunderstorms are additionally forecast over Betul, Chhindwara, Pandhurna, Pench, southern Seoni, western Gwalior, Shivpuri, and northern Guna district.

What Is Driving the Turbulent Weather

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) attributed the unsettled conditions to the combined influence of a western disturbance, a cyclonic circulation, and a trough line. This combination has produced a split-weather pattern that is unusual for early May, when most of central India is typically in the grip of dry, intense heat.

A rapid rise in temperatures has been specifically forecast for Niwari, Chhatarpur, Tikamgarh, Narmadapuram, Ratlam, Neemuch, and Mandsaur districts in the coming days.

Heat to Intensify From May 9

While thunderstorms and light rain may persist in northern and eastern districts for the next two days, the IMD has warned that heat intensity is likely to increase significantly from 9–10 May. A fresh weather system is expected to become active from 10 May, with its full impact likely over the subsequent two days.

Residents across the state have been advised to stay hydrated, remain indoors during peak afternoon hours, and exercise caution during thunderstorm spells. With a volatile mix of extreme heat and storm activity forecast through mid-May, authorities are urging communities in both affected zones to stay alert.