Bhopal experienced a brief respite from the scorching heatwave on Friday, a day after welcome showers and gusty winds brought the temperature down to 39.8°C. However, the city woke up to clear skies and a sultry summer sun, with relative humidity soaring to 58%, making conditions uncomfortable for residents.
Temperature Forecast and Trends
The regional meteorological office has issued a grim forecast, stating that the brief relief may already be over. As the weather system that brought wet conditions to northern plains and central India weakens, day temperatures are expected to rise again. In May, typically the hottest month in Madhya Pradesh, temperatures are likely to remain near normal in the first three weeks but trend above normal in the last week. The overall average daytime temperature for the month is predicted to be around 41°C or slightly higher, while night temperatures will hover around 26°C.
Current Conditions
On Friday, the maximum temperature in Bhopal was recorded at 39.8°C, one degree below normal, while the minimum temperature settled at 22.2°C, three degrees below normal. Raisen recorded the highest temperature in the state at 43.2°C. The Met office forecasts mainly clear skies for Saturday, with maximum and minimum temperatures likely to be 42°C and 26°C, respectively, and an average wind speed of 16 kmph.
Thunderstorm and Rain Alerts
A warning for thunderstorms accompanied by lightning, hailstorms, and gusty winds has been issued for Singrauli, Sidhi, Rewa, and Mauganj districts. Another alert for thunderstorms with lightning and gusty winds is in place for Gwalior, Datia, Bhind, Anuppur, Umaria, Dindori, Katni, Jabalpur, Seoni, Balaghat, Panna, Chhatarpur, Tikamgarh, Niwari, Morena, Sheopur, Satna, Shahdol, Maihar, and Mandla districts.
Additionally, rain or drizzle accompanied by thunderstorms and lightning is expected in Gwalior, Datia, Bhind, Morena, Sheopur, Singrauli, Sidhi, Rewa, Mauganj, Satna, Anuppur, Shahdol, Umaria, Dindori, Katni, Jabalpur, Seoni, Mandla, Balaghat, Panna, Damoh, Chhatarpur, Tikamgarh, Niwari, and Maihar districts. The Met office has ruled out any significant shift in weather patterns over the next two days.
