Bhopal, May 5 (IANS) A spell of turbulent weather is set to grip Madhya Pradesh, with the Meteorological Centre in Bhopal warning of thunderstorms, lightning, hail, and strong winds across several districts over the next 24 hours.

Moderate thunderstorm activity with lightning and hail, accompanied by wind speeds up to 60 kmph, is likely to occur over Seoni, Balaghat, Mandla, Kanha, Dindori, Anuppur, Amarkantak, South Umaria, South Shahdol, East Gwalior, AP and Bhind.

Light thunderstorms with lightning are expected in Morena, West Gwalior, Datia, North Umaria, North Shahdol, Chhatarpur, South Sidhi and South Shahdol during evening hours.

According to the bulletin issued on Tuesday, gusty winds reaching 50–60 kmph may strike parts of Bhopal, Vidisha, Raisen, Sehore, Rajgarh, Narmadapuram, Betul, Barwani, Dhar, Guna, Ashoknagar, Shivpuri, Gwalior, Bhind, Morena, Sheopur, Rewa, Satna, Narsinghpur, Chhindwara, Seoni, Balaghat, Panna, Sagar and other districts.

Winds of 40–50 kmph are also forecast in areas including Indore, Shajapur, Jabalpur, Mandla, Umaria, Dindori, Katni and Damoh. Hailstorms are likely in Khandwa, Khargone, Datia, Singrauli, Sidhi, Shahdol, Chhatarpur, Tikamgarh and Niwari.

The IMD bulletin highlights that hailstorms may damage standing crops, fruits, vegetables and fragile structures. Farmers have been advised to take protective measures such as covering crops or harvesting early where possible. Livestock should be sheltered, and vehicles kept under cover to avoid damage. Citizens are urged to remain indoors during thunderstorms, unplug electrical appliances, and avoid sheltering under trees or near power lines.

The synoptic situation shows a western disturbance as a cyclonic circulation over Kashmir and adjoining areas, with troughs extending across Haryana, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh. These systems are expected to sustain storm activity across the state until May 9.

A fresh western disturbance is likely to affect the western Himalayan region from May 10, which could further influence weather patterns in northern India.

With gusty winds, lightning and hail predicted in multiple districts, residents are advised to stay alert and follow official advisories. The IMD has stressed that precautions are essential to minimise risks to life, property and agriculture during this volatile weather phase.

–IANS

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