Madhya Pradesh heatwave: 45.8°C recorded, alerts for 25 districts
Synopsis
Madhya Pradesh is recording some of the country's most extreme temperatures this summer, with 45.8°C at Khajuraho and Naugaon and heatwave warnings blanketing 25 districts. With Ganga Dussehra and Bakrid approaching, authorities face a dual challenge: managing public health during a dangerous heat spell and ensuring safety at crowded religious gatherings.
Key Takeaways
The highest temperature of 45.8°C was recorded in Khajuraho and Naugaon on 25 May .
The IMD has issued heatwave warnings for 25 districts across Madhya Pradesh .
Eastern and northern districts face the most severe conditions, with heat index values crossing dangerous thresholds.
Dust storms were reported in Dewas , South Khargone , and South Sehore ; thunderstorms in Badwani , Burhanpur , Dewas , and Dhar .
Citizens advised to avoid outdoor exposure between noon and 4 pm ; special care urged for children, the elderly, and those with chronic illness.
The heatwave coincides with Ganga Dussehra and Bakrid , raising public safety concerns at religious gatherings.
Madhya Pradesh is in the grip of a severe heatwave, with maximum temperatures breaching 45 degrees Celsius across multiple regions on 25 May, prompting the India Meteorological Department (IMD) to issue heatwave warnings for 25 districts. The highest temperature of 45.8 degrees Celsius was recorded in both Khajuraho and Naugaon, with official heatwave conditions confirmed in Khajuraho, Datia, and Naugaon.
Temperature Distribution Across the State
According to the bulletin issued by the Meteorological Centre, Bhopal, western parts of the state recorded maximum temperatures between 42 and 44 degrees Celsius, while eastern parts saw readings in the 43–45 degree range. The IMD has forecast that most parts of Madhya Pradesh are likely to experience maximum temperatures between 42 and 45 degrees on Monday — significantly above seasonal norms — with severe heat expected to persist over the coming days.
Districts Under Heatwave Warning
Heatwave alerts have been issued for 25 districts, spanning a broad swathe of the state. These include Satna, Panna, Chhatarpur, Tikamgarh, Niwari, Rajgarh, Agar, Datia, Bhind, Singrauli, Sidhi, Rewa, Mauganj, Umaria, Katni, Jabalpur, Narsinghpur, Mandla, Balaghat, Damoh, Sagar, Maihar, Bhopal, Vidisha, Raisen, Sehore, Narmadapuram, Burhanpur, Khandwa, Khargone, Ratlam, Ujjain, Shajapur, Mandsaur, Neemuch, Guna, Ashoknagar, Shivpuri, Gwalior, Morena, Sheopur Kalan, Anuppur, Shahdol, and Dindori. Heat index maps for 25 and 26 May show that eastern and northern districts are at the highest risk, with heat index values crossing dangerous thresholds and red-zone severe heatwave markers visible across warning maps.
Dust Storms and Localised Weather Events
The extreme heat has been accompanied by other weather disturbances. Thunderstorms and rain were reported in Badwani, Burhanpur, Dewas, and Dhar districts. Dust storms were recorded in Dewas, South Khargone, and South Sehore in the preceding 24 hours, adding to the discomfort and hazard levels for residents.
Advisories for Citizens and Vulnerable Groups
The Meteorological Centre has advised citizens to avoid stepping out between noon and 4 pm, stay well-hydrated, and wear light-coloured, loose clothing. Special precautions have been recommended for vulnerable groups — children, elderly persons, and those with chronic illnesses. Farmers and outdoor workers have been specifically advised to reschedule their work timings to cooler parts of the day.
Festivals and Public Safety Concerns
The heatwave coincides with the approach of Ganga Dussehra and Bakrid, raising concerns about public safety at religious sites and ghats. Authorities are reportedly expected to issue specific guidelines for crowd management and heat safety at these venues. The IMD has indicated that heatwave conditions are likely to persist for the next several days, urging residents across the state to remain vigilant and follow all heat safety protocols.
Point of View
But the confluence of 45.8°C readings, a multi-district dust storm event, and two major religious festivals in quick succession raises the stakes considerably. The real test for Madhya Pradesh's administration is whether heat action plans — which exist on paper in most Indian states — translate into on-ground relief infrastructure at ghats and public gathering points. Historically, heat-related mortality in India is undercounted because deaths during heatwaves are rarely attributed directly to heat in official records. If authorities treat this as a routine seasonal bulletin rather than a public health emergency, the human cost may not surface until well after the peak has passed.
NationPress
10 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the highest temperature recorded in Madhya Pradesh during the current heatwave?
The highest temperature of 45.8 degrees Celsius was recorded in both Khajuraho and Naugaon. Official heatwave conditions have been confirmed in Khajuraho, Datia, and Naugaon.
Which districts are under heatwave alert in Madhya Pradesh?
The IMD has issued heatwave warnings for 25 districts, including Bhopal, Gwalior, Jabalpur, Sagar, Datia, Rewa, Ujjain, Morena, Shivpuri, and several others spanning northern and eastern parts of the state.
How long is the heatwave expected to last in Madhya Pradesh?
The IMD has indicated that heatwave conditions are likely to persist for the next several days. Most parts of the state are forecast to see temperatures between 42 and 45 degrees Celsius in the near term.
What precautions have authorities advised for residents?
Residents have been advised to avoid going out between noon and 4 pm, stay hydrated, and wear light-coloured loose clothing. Special care has been recommended for children, elderly persons, and those with chronic illnesses, while farmers and outdoor workers have been told to reschedule work to cooler hours.
Why is the heatwave particularly concerning this year?
The heatwave coincides with the approach of Ganga Dussehra and Bakrid, when large numbers of people gather at religious sites and ghats. Authorities are reportedly preparing specific safety guidelines for these events, raising concerns about heat exposure in crowded outdoor settings.
