Weather conditions across Central India are set to shift from heatwave-like conditions to a spell of thunderstorms, lightning, and gusty winds between March 18 and 20, impacting Vidarbha, Chhattisgarh, and Madhya Pradesh.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast light to moderate rainfall in parts of East and West Vidarbha, including Nagpur, during this period. The change is attributed to an upper-air anticyclonic circulation, leading to cloud formation. Such pre-summer showers are considered normal and are driven by southwesterly winds. Meteorologists say these convective rains may bring down maximum temperatures by 3–4°C across the region.
However, temperatures are expected to rise again after March 22, hovering around 40°C till the end of the month. While temperatures may remain above normal, no heatwave conditions are likely, according to officials.
Some areas of Vidarbha may also experience thunderstorms, lightning, and hail between March 18 and 20. A yellow alert has been issued for Chandrapur district, while partly cloudy conditions are expected to persist till March 23.
Rain accompanied by thunderstorms has been forecast for Nagpur, Wardha, Bhandara, Gondia, Chandrapur, Gadchiroli, and Yavatmal districts on March 18 and 19. The IMD has advised farmers to store harvested crops safely to prevent damage from moisture and to keep livestock sheltered during lightning activity.
On Tuesday, Brahmapuri recorded the highest temperature in Vidarbha at 39.8°C, followed by Amravati and Wardha (39.4°C each), Akola (39.3°C), and Yavatmal (39.0°C). Nagpur recorded 37.6°C, while Bhandara was the coolest at 36.0°C. Temperatures remained above normal across the region despite sunny conditions.
👉 Click here to read the latest Gujarat news on TheLiveAhmedabad.com