The weather in Madhya Pradesh is currently wearing two faces. Across a large part of the state, pre-monsoon activity has gathered strength, while several districts remain dry, leaving residents struggling with the heat. The monsoon is expected to arrive in the state this week, but just ahead of it, a spell of clouds, thunder and strong winds has already begun.
Yellow Alert for Tuesday
The weather department has issued a yellow alert for today, Tuesday, warning of thunderstorms, gusty winds and rain in several districts. According to the department, wind speeds during this period could be recorded at 40 to 50 km per hour. Given the risk of strong winds and lightning, people have been urged to stay alert.
Districts in the Line of Impact
The department says that parts of Bhopal, Gwalior, Dewas, Guna, Ashoknagar, Vidisha, Sehore, Raisen, Harda, Narmadapuram, Betul, Khandwa, Datia, Shivpuri, Bhind, Sheopur, Morena, Chhindwara, Narsinghpur, Dindori, Sagar, Seoni, Balaghat, Mandla, Panna, Niwari, Tikamgarh, Chhatarpur and Pandhurna could see thunderstorms accompanied by gusty winds and rain. A warning of winds blowing at 40 to 50 km per hour has also been issued for these same districts.
Forecast for June 15 to 21
According to the IMD, scattered rain is likely at one or two places between June 15 and 21 across Chhattisgarh, East Madhya Pradesh, Vidarbha and West Madhya Pradesh. In addition, between June 16 and 19 in East and West Madhya Pradesh, and between June 15 and 19 in Chhattisgarh and Vidarbha, there is a chance of isolated thunderstorms with lightning and strong winds of 40 to 50 km per hour.
Precautions for the Public
Stay indoors during thunderstorms. If you must step out for some urgent reason, avoid taking shelter under trees or electricity poles. Because of the lightning risk, unplug electronic appliances at home. Avoid working in open fields and farmland during a storm, and keep your distance from trees, power lines and construction sites. While driving, keep your speed low and maintain a firm grip on the steering. Also avoid leaning against concrete walls or lying on concrete floors.
Key Advice for Livestock Owners
Do not leave animals near open fields, ponds, rivers or any water source. At night, keep all animals in a safe and protected shed. Do not send them out for open grazing in the harsh afternoon heat. Arrange enough drinking water and shaded space for them. During lightning and storms, avoid tying animals under trees.
Ways to Stay Safe From the Heat
In districts where the heat persists, keeping the body hydrated is essential, so keep drinking enough water. Avoid going out in the sun between 12 noon and 4 pm. Wear light-coloured, loose cotton clothing. When stepping out in the sun, keep your head covered with a cloth, cap or umbrella.
