IMD warns of thunderstorms, gusty winds in 22 MP districts on Dussehra
Synopsis
With Dussehra celebrations set for Tuesday evening, the IMD has put 22 Madhya Pradesh districts on thunderstorm alert — gusty winds of 30–40 kmph and lightning included. The timing is the story: outdoor festivities from Bhopal to Indore face a direct weather threat, even as temperatures across the state remain unseasonably above normal.
Key Takeaways
The IMD has issued a thunderstorm and lightning warning for 22 Madhya Pradesh districts on 20 October 2026 , coinciding with Dussehra .
Gusty winds of 30–40 kmph are expected at isolated places; Sagar , Chhatarpur , Tikamgarh , and Niwari also face lightning risk.
Bhopal forecast: maximum 34°C , minimum 20°C , wind speeds 8–10 kmph , with a chance of light rain.
Pachmarhi recorded the state's lowest minimum at 17.0°C ; Ratlam logged the highest maximum at 36°C .
IMD advises people to stay indoors during storms and farmers to postpone irrigation and spraying.
Minimum temperatures are expected to fall by about 2°C over the next five days .
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a warning for thunderstorms accompanied by lightning and gusty winds of 30–40 kmph at isolated places across several districts of Madhya Pradesh on Tuesday, 20 October, raising concerns that the unseasonal weather could disrupt Dussehra festivities across the state.
Districts Under Alert
The warning covers 22 districts including Bhopal, Indore, Ujjain, Vidisha, Raisen, Sehore, Rajgarh, Betul, Harda, Burhanpur, Khandwa, Khargone, Barwani, Alirajpur, Dhar, Dewas, Shajapur, Agar, Guna, Ashoknagar, Shivpuri, and Datia. Additionally, thunderstorms with lightning are likely at isolated places in Sagar, Chhatarpur, Tikamgarh, and Niwari districts.
For Bhopal and surrounding areas specifically, the sky is expected to remain mainly clear with a possibility of thunderstorms, lightning, and light rain. Maximum and minimum temperatures are forecast at 34°C and 20°C respectively, with wind speeds of 8–10 kmph.
Current Weather Observations
According to IMD's daily weather summary based on Tuesday morning observations, rainfall was recorded at isolated places across Bhopal, Indore, Ujjain, and Sagar divisions during the past 24 hours, while the rest of the state remained largely dry.
Maximum temperatures showed no significant change across divisions. They remained below normal by up to 2.9°C in Chambal division districts and above normal by 2.2°C in Jabalpur division, staying near normal elsewhere. Minimum temperatures were above normal by 2.3–2.8°C in Bhopal, Ujjain, Gwalior, and Sagar divisions, and appreciably higher by 3.5–4.4°C in Narmadapuram and Shahdol divisions.
Pachmarhi in Narmadapuram recorded the lowest minimum temperature at 17.0°C, while Ratlam logged the highest maximum at 36°C. Other notable lows included Karoundi (17.8°C), Malanjkhand (18.1°C), Chhindwara (18.2°C), and Gwalior (18.3°C). High maximums were also recorded in Khargone (35.6°C), Khandwa (35.5°C), and Mandsaur (35.1°C).
Safety Advisories Issued
The IMD has advised residents to stay indoors during thunderstorms, avoid shelter under trees or electric poles, and refrain from outdoor work in open fields. Farmers have been specifically urged to ensure proper drainage in fields, postpone irrigation and pesticide sprays during rainy or windy conditions, and provide support to tall plants to prevent lodging.
Temperature Outlook
A gradual fall of approximately 2°C in minimum temperatures is expected across the state over the next five days, signalling a slow easing of the above-normal warmth that has characterised much of October in Madhya Pradesh. The combination of unseasonal rains and the ongoing festive season makes the weather development particularly consequential for outdoor Dussehra gatherings and Ravana effigy-burning events scheduled for Tuesday evening.
Point of View
A pattern that has grown more frequent in recent Octobers. Authorities would do well to pre-position emergency response at Dussehra venues in the 22 flagged districts rather than wait for the evening's weather to develop.
NationPress
20 Oct 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Madhya Pradesh districts are under IMD thunderstorm alert on 20 October 2026?
The IMD warning covers 22 districts: Bhopal, Vidisha, Raisen, Sehore, Rajgarh, Betul, Harda, Burhanpur, Khandwa, Khargone, Barwani, Alirajpur, Dhar, Indore, Ujjain, Dewas, Shajapur, Agar, Guna, Ashoknagar, Shivpuri, and Datia. Sagar, Chhatarpur, Tikamgarh, and Niwari also face isolated lightning risk.
Will the thunderstorms affect Dussehra celebrations in Madhya Pradesh?
The IMD warning has raised concern that gusty winds and lightning could disrupt outdoor Dussehra events, including Ravana effigy-burning ceremonies, scheduled for Tuesday evening across affected districts. Authorities have not announced any cancellations as of the latest reports.
What are the safety precautions advised by IMD during the thunderstorm?
The IMD has urged residents to stay indoors during thunderstorms, avoid sheltering under trees or electric poles, and not work in open fields. Farmers are specifically advised to ensure proper field drainage, postpone irrigation and sprays, and support tall crops against wind damage.
What is the Bhopal weather forecast for 20 October 2026?
Bhopal is expected to have a mainly clear sky with a possibility of thunderstorms, lightning, and light rain. Maximum temperature is forecast at 34°C and minimum at 20°C, with wind speeds of 8–10 kmph.
When will temperatures drop in Madhya Pradesh?
The IMD expects a gradual fall of about 2°C in minimum temperatures across Madhya Pradesh over the next five days. Currently, several divisions — particularly Narmadapuram and Shahdol — are recording minimums 3.5–4.4°C above normal.
