Bhopal, Feb 18 (NationPress) Over the past 24 hours, Madhya Pradesh has seen isolated showers in the Indore and Ujjain regions, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD). Meanwhile, the majority of the state has remained predominantly dry.

The Meteorological Centre in Bhopal reported thunderstorms accompanied by lightning in Barwani, Jhabua, Ratlam, and Ujjain districts. Rainfall measurements during this period included 3.6 mm in Jhabua and 3.2 mm in Ratlam, with light rain noted in several other areas.

Temperature analysis shows a trend of above-normal conditions across various divisions. Maximum temperatures were recorded 1.8 to 2.9 degrees Celsius above normal in Indore, Narmadapuram, Ujjain, and Sagar divisions, and significantly higher by approximately 3.1 degrees Celsius in Gwalior and Chambal divisions. The highest maximum temperature in the state was noted at 35.1 degrees Celsius in Khandwa, while Pachmarhi recorded the lowest daytime temperature at 25.8 degrees Celsius.

Minimum temperatures also remained elevated in various parts of the state. Night temperatures were higher by 1.9 to 2.2 degrees Celsius in Bhopal, Indore, Narmadapuram, and Gwalior divisions, and considerably higher by up to 4.7 degrees Celsius in Ujjain and Chambal divisions. Karoundi in Katni district reported the lowest minimum temperature at 7.0 degrees Celsius, while warmer areas like Kannod and Narmadapuram observed minimum temperatures of 18.0 degrees Celsius.

The IMD indicates that the current weather conditions are influenced by western disturbances over Pakistan and neighboring Rajasthan, along with associated cyclonic circulations and a trough extending into central Madhya Pradesh. These systems are contributing to the current unsettled weather and elevated temperature patterns.

The forecast valid until Thursday morning suggests the possibility of rain or drizzle accompanied by thunderstorms and lightning at isolated locations in districts such as Vidisha, Rajgarh, Alirajpur, Jhabua, Dhar, Indore, Ratlam, Ujjain, Shajapur, Agar, Mandsaur, Neemuch, Guna, Ashoknagar, Shivpuri, Gwalior, Datia, Bhind, Morena, Sheopur, Chhatarpur, Tikamgarh, and Niwari. Dry weather is anticipated in other regions of the state.

The IMD has issued warnings regarding potential hailstorms and gusty winds in selected districts. Wind speeds of 30–40 km/h are expected in Gwalior, Datia, Bhind, Morena, and Sheopur districts. Isolated hailstorms accompanied by thunderstorms are anticipated in Guna, Ashoknagar, Shivpuri, Tikamgarh, and Niwari districts. Lightning activity is also expected in Rajgarh, Alirajpur, Jhabua, Dhar, Indore, Ratlam, Ujjain, Shajapur, Agar, Mandsaur, Neemuch, and Chhatarpur districts.

Extended forecasts up to February 22 suggest scattered rainfall activity across parts of the state, with a gradual decrease in intensity over the coming days, while temperatures are expected to remain above normal in many regions.

The IMD has advised residents to exercise caution during thunderstorms, including avoiding open areas and protecting property and infrastructure vulnerable to strong winds and lightning. Farmers are also recommended to take necessary precautions to safeguard standing crops and livestock and to plan agricultural activities accordingly.

For Bhopal, primarily clear skies are expected, with wind speeds of 12–14 km/h. The maximum temperature is likely to hover around 30 degrees Celsius, while the minimum temperature is anticipated to be around 16 degrees Celsius. The overall outlook suggests the continuation of the warmer-than-normal trend amidst intermittent weather disturbances.