Madhya Pradesh is in the grip of sharply shifting weather these days. While the sun beats down through the daytime, clouds and showers roll in by evening to offer some relief across many areas. Sunday, June 14, is shaping up to be no different. The weather department says a large number of districts in the state are likely to see thunderstorms, rain and gusty winds.
Why the Weather Is Turning
Two weather systems are behind the turbulence. An active western disturbance is hovering over the state, and at the same time the Bay of Bengal is feeding in a steady stream of moisture. Together, these have left the atmosphere unstable and have ramped up pre-monsoon activity — which is why a single day can swing from scorching heat in one place to sudden rain in another. According to the weather department, wind speeds in several districts could touch 40 to 60 km per hour today, prompting orange alerts for some districts and yellow alerts for others.
Orange Alert for Ashoknagar and Shivpuri
The greatest caution is being urged for Ashoknagar and Shivpuri. Both districts are under an orange alert, where thunderstorms could be accompanied by winds blowing at 50 to 60 km per hour. Rain is also expected here, which should bring considerable relief to residents from the searing heat.
Yellow Alert for 41 Districts
In addition, 41 districts have been placed under a yellow alert, warning of thunderstorms with winds of 40 to 50 km per hour and light to moderate rain at isolated places. The districts under the yellow alert are Bhopal, Gwalior, Jabalpur, Satna, Vidisha, Raisen, Sehore, Rajgarh, Narmadapuram, Betul, Shajapur, Agar, Mandsaur, Sheopurkalan, Singrauli, Sidhi, Rewa, Mauganj, Anuppur, Neemuch, Guna, Datia, Bhind, Morena, Shahdol, Panna, Damoh, Sagar, Umaria, Dindori, Katni, Narsinghpur, Chhindwara, Seoni, Mandla, Balaghat, Chhatarpur, Tikamgarh, Niwari, Maihar and Pandhurna.
Where the Impact Will Be Strongest
The weather department assesses that the Narmadapuram division and its neighbouring districts will stay relatively calm. The north-central parts of the state and the Gwalior-Chambal belt, however, will see far more active conditions. The strong winds and storm activity are likely to be felt most intensely in and around Shivpuri and Ashoknagar.
Relief, but Also Trouble
Driven by pre-monsoon activity, cloud cover has increased across the state, and many districts can expect light to moderate rain through the afternoon and evening. While these thundery showers will ease the heat for residents, the strong winds could also bring problems such as falling trees, disrupted power supply and traffic snarls.
Advice for Farmers and Residents
Given these conditions, the weather department has asked farmers to plan their ongoing field work only after taking the forecast into account. People, meanwhile, have been urged to avoid standing under trees and electricity poles during bad weather and to stay in a safe place for the duration.
