Madhya Pradesh is bracing for a series of severe weather conditions, including hailstorms, heavy rains, and strong winds, as the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a warning that these conditions will persist until May 10, 2025. The weather system is expected to impact several districts across the state, with specific alerts for major cities.
On May 7, 2025, residents in Bhopal, Gwalior, Jabalpur, and Ujjain should prepare for a strong storm, while Indore may experience rainfall. Hailstorms are anticipated in the districts of Alirajpur, Dhar, and Jhabua. The IMD has also issued alerts for other regions, including Shivpuri, Guna, Ashoknagar, Neemuch, Mandsaur, Chhindwara, Pandhurna, Seoni, Mandla, and Balaghat, where wind speeds could exceed 50 km per hour.
The stormy weather isn't limited to Madhya Pradesh. The IMD has expanded its warnings to include Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand, forecasting thunderstorms and strong winds of 40 to 60 km per hour. From May 7 to May 11, 2025, rain accompanied by thunderstorms and winds of 30 to 40 km per hour is expected in Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, and Rajasthan.
On May 7, eastern Rajasthan will see lightning and winds reaching speeds of 50-60 km per hour, potentially increasing to 70 km per hour. Additionally, sporadic dust storms may occur in western Rajasthan during this period. The IMD has also warned of sporadic heavy rains in Uttarakhand and eastern Rajasthan on the same day.
As the weather system unfolds, Madhya Pradesh has already begun to experience the effects. On May 6, 2025, Indore recorded about one inch of rain, marking the third consecutive day of heavy rainfall in the city. This change in weather has significantly dropped daytime temperatures across the state, with no city recording temperatures above 40°C. Narsinghpur and Khajuraho were the hottest spots, each reaching 39.4°C, while Mandla recorded 39°C.
In larger cities, the temperatures recorded were Ujjain at 32.5°C, Bhopal at 34.6°C, Indore at 32.4°C, Gwalior at 35.4°C, and Jabalpur at 37.6°C. The coldest area was Pachmarhi, with a temperature of 32°C. Ratlam, Guna, and Shajapur also reported temperatures ranging from 32.2°C to 32.7°C.
The drastic change in weather patterns is attributed to a Western Disturbance, along with two cyclonic circulations and a trough that have combined to create these stormy conditions. The IMD forecasts that similar weather will continue on May 7, 2025, with alerts remaining in effect until May 10.
Beyond Madhya Pradesh, the IMD has issued a hail warning for eastern Madhya Pradesh and sub-Himalayan West Bengal and Sikkim. Strong winds with speeds of 30 to 50 km per hour are expected across Northeast India over the next five days, with heavy rains likely in Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, and Meghalaya until May 11, 2025.
The IMD's warnings serve as a critical reminder for residents to stay informed and prepared for rapidly changing weather conditions. As storms roll in, safety measures should be taken seriously, and local authorities are urging citizens to follow updates closely.
With the weather system affecting such a broad area, residents are advised to remain vigilant. The IMD's forecasts will continue to provide updates as the situation evolves, ensuring that communities are aware of impending weather challenges.
The upcoming days are crucial as the combination of hailstorms, heavy rain, and strong winds could lead to hazardous conditions in many regions. Local governments and emergency services are on alert, ready to respond to any emergencies that may arise due to the severe weather.
In conclusion, as Madhya Pradesh and surrounding regions face this intense weather system, it's essential for residents to heed the warnings and stay informed. The IMD's alerts highlight the importance of preparedness in the face of nature's unpredictability, ensuring that communities can weather the storm safely.