Bhopal: In a surprising turn of weather, rain over the last two days has significantly reduced the maximum temperature in Bhopal by nearly 6 degrees Celsius. The unexpected thundershowers on Monday, May 5, 2025, have not only provided relief from the scorching heat but also surpassed last year's total rainfall for the month of May. The day temperature dropped to a comfortable 35 degrees Celsius, a stark contrast to the season's hottest day just a week prior, when temperatures soared to 42.5 degrees Celsius on May 1.
The rain, which began around 1 PM on Monday, was accompanied by thunder and lightning, with the sounds of nature echoing through the capital well into the night. Areas such as MP Nagar and Habibganj experienced visible lightning displays, creating a dramatic atmosphere. The afternoon winds peaked at speeds of 57 km/h, contributing to the drop in temperature. Between 3 PM and 4 PM, several parts of the city received rainfall lasting between 15 to 20 minutes.
This pre-monsoon rainfall accumulated to a total of 2.7 mm over the two days, surpassing last year's total of 1.6 mm for the entire month of May. According to meteorologists, similar weather patterns are expected to continue for the next couple of days.
Across Madhya Pradesh, the weather has shown dramatic changes, with rain reported in more than 50 locations. Dust storms were also prevalent in Indore, Burhanpur, and Harda, while hail was observed in Khargone, Mandsaur, Khandwa, and several other districts. A hail and rain alert has been issued for Tuesday, May 6, 2025, affecting regions including Indore, Ujjain, Shajapur, Shivpuri, and others.
On the same day, intense dust storms and hail were reported in various districts, with the weather phenomenon causing disruptions. In Guna, the winds were so fierce that they uprooted a wedding tent, while in Ashoknagar, a mobile tower collapsed under the pressure of the storm.
Rainfall measurements varied across the state, with Gwalior-Satna receiving 3 mm, Guna-Naugav 2 mm, Raisen 5 mm, Chhindwara 1 mm, and Khajuraho 4 mm. The coldest spot was Raisen, where the temperature plummeted to 27.4 degrees Celsius, marking an 8.6-degree drop in just one day. Ujjain also saw a significant decrease of 5.5 degrees, settling at 35.5 degrees Celsius.
Meanwhile, Narsinghpur recorded the highest temperature in the state at 43 degrees Celsius, while Khargone registered 40 degrees. In major cities, Bhopal and Ujjain both reported 35.5 degrees, Indore at 35 degrees, Gwalior at 36.2 degrees, and Jabalpur at 36.7 degrees Celsius. The temperatures in Pachmarhi and Ratlam were noted at 32.2 degrees and 32.4 degrees Celsius, respectively.
Meteorologist Dr. Arun Sharma explained that the drastic change in weather is attributed to western disturbances, cyclonic circulation, and a trough affecting the region. He noted that there remains a possibility of hail in some districts and warned that wind speeds could reach between 50 to 60 km/h in certain areas. Notably, Indore experienced winds of up to 111 km/h just the day before, on Sunday, May 4.
Wind speeds recorded across the state included 80 km/h in Singrauli, 78 km/h in Sehore, 74 km/h in Harda, and 69 km/h in Agar-Malwa. Near Bhopal Airport, winds reached 65 km/h, while Ujjain recorded 58 km/h. Other areas such as Betul-Shajapur, Pachmarhi-Seoni, and Chhindwara reported wind speeds of 49 km/h, 41 km/h, and 39 km/h, respectively.
This abrupt shift in weather not only brought relief from the heat but also prompted a flurry of activity across the state, as residents prepared for the continuing rains and potential hail. With the forecast indicating more rain in the coming days, the people of Madhya Pradesh are bracing for what could be a transformative weather pattern this May, as it contrasts sharply with the dry spells typically experienced in previous years.
As the weather continues to shift, local authorities and residents alike are advised to stay vigilant and prepared for any further developments. The recent storms serve as a reminder of the dynamic nature of weather patterns and their impact on daily life.
