With mercury climbing higher almost every day, summer in Indore is beginning to feel less like a season and more like a test of endurance. Tuesday turned into the city's hottest day of the year as the temperature shot up to 43.6 degrees Celsius, four degrees above normal. But more than the number itself, it was the lingering heat even after sunset that left residents exhausted.
Heatwave Impact on Daily Life
The impact of the heatwave was visible across Indore through the afternoon. Roads and markets wore a quieter look than usual, while people avoided stepping outdoors unless necessary. Many residents complained that even coolers and fans were struggling against the dry heat.
Residents Share Their Struggles
"Usually, the car AC cools within a few minutes, but these days it feels like hot air is blowing from outside even while driving. I had to keep stopping for water because the heat was becoming unbearable by afternoon," said city resident Richa Mehta while commuting from Vijay Nagar to Bhawarkua.
Temperature Trends and Forecast
From the morning itself, the day signalled trouble ahead. Strong sunlight and humidity made conditions uncomfortable early, while afternoon winds turned sharp and scorching. The intensity of the heat was evident from the morning itself, with the temperature crossing the 35 degrees Celsius mark by 8.30 am on Tuesday, leaving the city sweltering before noon had even begun.
According to the meteorological department, the minimum temperature settled at 25.6 degrees Celsius, one degree above normal. South-easterly winds blew at speeds reaching 19 km per hour. Weather experts say there is little chance of any major dip in temperature over the next few days.
Forecast: Worse to Come
"The intensity of the ongoing heatwave conditions will increase. The maximum temperature is expected to rise gradually by another 2 to 4 degrees Celsius over the next five days," said Diya Surendran of the meteorological department.
Creative Measures to Beat the Heat
A wedding procession near Vijay Nagar drew attention for the arrangements made to battle the heat. The family installed a long canopy and more than 20 jumbo coolers along the route so guests could continue dancing beside the band despite the sweltering weather.
Historical Context
Indore's tryst with May heat has seen record temperatures in the past. The highest-ever May temperature was 46 degrees Celsius, recorded on May 31, 1994. The city touched 44.5 degrees Celsius on May 19, 2016, and again on May 23, 2024. In the state, Ratlam recorded the hottest at 46.5 degrees Celsius, followed by Dhar at 44.5, Ujjain at 44.4, Khargone at 43.6, and Khandwa at 43.1.
City Temperature in Last 5 Days
- May 12: 43.6 (max) / 25.6 (min)
- May 11: 43.2 / 24.7
- May 10: 41.9 / 24.4
- May 9: 42.0 / 25.1
- May 8: 41.2 / 26.3
