Bhopal, May 26 (IANS) Madhya Pradesh continued to reel under intense heatwave conditions on Tuesday as the much-dreaded “Nautapa” — the nine hottest days of the summer — commenced, pushing temperatures beyond 45 degrees Celsius in several districts.

The India Meteorological Department’s Meteorological Centre in Bhopal has issued widespread heat-wave warnings, with the scorching conditions likely to persist for the next few days.

According to the latest Madhya Pradesh Heat Wave Bulletin, maximum temperatures recorded on May 25 crossed 44-46 degrees Celsius in eastern parts of the state, while western Madhya Pradesh saw 42-44 degrees Celsius.

The highest temperature of 47.2 degrees Celsius was registered in Khajuraho, making it the hottest place in the state.

Heatwave conditions were officially recorded in Khajuraho, Datia, Mandla, Tikamgarh, Malajkhand, and Nowgaon. Night temperatures also remained unusually high in Gwalior, Tikamgarh, and Datia, adding to the discomfort of residents.

For May 26, the Meteorological Department has forecast maximum temperatures between 43 and 45 degrees Celsius in most parts of the state, significantly above normal.

A total of 37 districts have been placed under heatwave alert, including Rewa, Satna, Panna, Chhatarpur, Tikamgarh, Niwari, Bhopal, Vidisha, Raisen, Sehore, Rajgarh, Burhanpur, Khandwa, Khargone, Ratlam, Ujjain, Dewas, Shajapur, Agar Malwa, Mandsaur, Neemuch, Guna, Ashoknagar, Shivpuri, Malanpur, Datia, Bhind, Morena, Sheopur, Singrauli, Sidhi, Mauganj, Anuppur, Shahdol, Umaria, Dindori, Katni, Jabalpur, Narsinghpur, Chhindwara, Mandla, Balaghat, Damoh, Sagar, Pandhurna, and Maihar.

The situation has been further complicated by the onset of ‘Nautapa’.

While the extreme heat disrupted daily life across the state, some districts received partial relief through light storms and drizzle. Thunderstorm activity was reported in over 15 districts, including Bhopal, Umaria, and Damoh. Strong winds were recorded during these thunderstorms, with Sehore and Shahdol recording the highest gusts at 50 kmph, followed by Khandwa (39 kmph), Sagar (41 kmph), and several other places.

The impact of the heatwave is being felt across Madhya Pradesh and neighbouring Chhattisgarh, where several cities are also battling strong hot winds and soaring temperatures.

In Raipur, temperatures are expected to remain above 45 degrees Celsius in the coming days, forcing authorities to issue similar advisories. The Meteorological Department has warned that heatwave conditions will continue for at least the next four days and urged citizens to avoid stepping out between 12 noon and 4 p.m.

Health authorities have issued detailed guidelines to protect people from heat-related illnesses. Citizens have been advised to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water, wear light-coloured loose cotton clothes, cover their heads with caps or umbrellas, and take frequent rest in shaded or cool places.

People have also been asked to keep emergency kits ready and follow instructions to prevent vector-borne diseases like dengue and malaria, which often rise during such weather shifts.

The prolonged heat has severely affected outdoor workers, farmers, and daily commuters. Markets and public places witnessed thinner crowds during peak afternoon hours, while schools and colleges have adjusted timings in many districts.

As Nautapa progresses, the state administration remains on high alert. Officials have appealed to residents to follow weather updates from official sources and take all necessary precautions. With temperatures showing no immediate signs of relief, experts warn that vulnerable groups — children, elderly persons, and those with pre-existing health conditions — must exercise extra caution in the coming days.

–IANS

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