Madhya Pradesh continued to reel under an intense heatwave on Wednesday, with temperatures crossing 44°C in 22 cities. Naugaon in Chhatarpur district recorded a season-high 47°C, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD).
Khajuraho was the second hottest place in the state at 46.4°C. Datia recorded 45.8°C, while Rajgarh registered 45.6°C and Damoh 45.5°C.
The IMD issued a four-day heatwave alert for the state. It warned of strong hot winds and high night temperatures in several districts.
Among major cities, Gwalior touched 45°C for the first time this season. Bhopal recorded 44.2°C, Jabalpur 44.6°C, Ujjain 43.8°C and Indore 43.7°C.
In Bhopal, the airport observatory recorded a maximum temperature of 44.2°C. The Arera Hills automatic weather station recorded 46°C. The city also witnessed its first heatwave conditions of the season. Night temperatures climbed to 30°C for the first time.
The weather office said severe heatwave conditions may continue for the next three to four days. It issued an orange alert for Bhind, Datia, Niwari, Tikamgarh, Chhatarpur, Panna, Satna, Rewa, Mauganj, Sidhi, Singrauli, Sagar, Damoh, Raisen and Ratlam on Wednesday.
Bhopal, Indore, Ujjain, Gwalior, Jabalpur, Morena, Shivpuri, Guna, Neemuch, Mandsaur, Dhar, Khargone, Dewas and Khandwa may also experience heatwave conditions.
The IMD warned of “warm night” conditions in Rajgarh, Raisen, Katni, Umaria, Dindori, Balaghat and Chhindwara. Night temperatures in these districts are likely to stay unusually high.
Authorities advised people to avoid going outdoors between noon and 3 p.m. They also urged residents to drink enough water and wear light cotton clothes. Officials asked parents and caregivers to take special care of children and elderly people.
Two people died in Satna and Tikamgarh districts amid the extreme heat. Officials suspect heatstroke, but they have not confirmed the exact cause yet.
