People across Madhya Pradesh are about to get major relief from the searing heat. The monsoon is set to arrive in the state within the next few hours, but pre-monsoon activity has already gathered pace ahead of it. That is why the weather keeps changing colour day after day. Today, June 17, the conditions are expected to shift sharply in many parts of the state, bringing a welcome coolness to several districts that have been baking in the heat.
Why the Weather Is Turning
According to the weather department, the combined effect of a Western Disturbance and pre-monsoon activity has pushed up moisture levels in the air over the state. Because of this moisture, several areas could see thunderstorms with rain during the afternoon and evening. Winds are also likely to blow at speeds of 40 to 50 km per hour. A yellow alert has been issued for many districts in the northern and southern parts of the state, while the remaining districts may see partly cloudy skies.
Yellow Alert in These 22 Districts
The department has declared a yellow alert for Gwalior, Dhar, Bhind, Datia, Seoni, Narmadapuram, Betul, Burhanpur, Khandwa, Khargone, Harda, Barwani, Alirajpur, Morena, Sheopurkalan, Dindori, Narsinghpur, Chhindwara, Anuppur, Mandla, Balaghat and Pandhurna. These districts could witness thunderstorms accompanied by lightning strikes and strong winds, and the impact may spill over into neighbouring districts as well. The weather could change suddenly in particular across the Gwalior-Chambal division and parts of the Mahakaushal region.
What the Last 24 Hours Looked Like
Over the past 24 hours, rain was recorded at many places in the districts of the Bhopal division, at a few places in the Narmadapuram division and at scattered locations in the Sagar division, while the weather stayed dry across all the remaining divisions. There was no notable change in maximum temperatures in any division during this period. The highest maximum temperature in the state was 42.6 degrees Celsius at Khajuraho (Chhatarpur), while the lowest minimum temperature of 18.8 degrees Celsius was recorded at Pachmarhi (Narmadapuram).
What to Do During Lightning and Storms
Try to stay indoors when there is thunder and lightning. If you must step out for some unavoidable reason, do not take shelter under trees or near electricity poles. Given the danger of lightning strikes, it is wise to unplug electronic appliances at home. Avoid working in open grounds and fields during a storm, and keep away from trees, power lines and construction sites. While driving, keep your speed low and maintain a firm grip on the steering wheel. It is also best to avoid leaning against concrete walls or lying on a concrete floor.
Precautions for Livestock Owners
Do not leave animals near open grounds, ponds, rivers or any water source. Keep all cattle in a safe and protected shed at night. Do not send animals out for open grazing during the intense midday heat, and arrange enough drinking water and shaded space for them. Never tie animals under trees during lightning strikes or storms.
How to Stay Safe in the Heat
Where rain is not making an impact, protection from the heat remains important. Keep drinking enough water to stay hydrated. Avoid going out in the sun between 12 noon and 4 pm. Wear light-coloured, loose-fitting cotton clothes, and cover your head with a cloth, cap or umbrella when stepping out in the sun.
