The India Meteorological Department (IMD) had on Monday issued warnings for 28 districts of Madhya Pradesh, including Bhopal and Gwalior, citing an active cyclonic circulation over Haryana and an associated trough line influencing weather conditions across the state.
Officials said the system is expected to affect Madhya Pradesh for the next two days, keeping skies cloudy and bringing light to moderate rainfall in many districts. Meteorologists added that the fresh spell of rain is likely to intensify the cold, with dense fog and chilly winds persisting.
Rain and hailstorms struck several districts of central Madhya Pradesh on Tuesday evening, leaving farmers deeply worried about crop damage. Areas including Sehore, Agar Malwa, Shajapur, Gwalior and Ujjain witnessed sudden weather changes, with Sehore, Ashta, Jawar, Mehatwada and Shyampur recording heavy rainfall.
Bhopal also experienced thunderstorms and rain during the evening hours.
In Jawar and Hingoni villages, hailstones the size of chickpeas fell, covering roads with a white layer and flattening standing wheat and gram crops. Farmers fear significant financial losses as the wheat crop, already in bloom, has been battered by strong winds and hail, raising the risk of grain shedding.
In Jawar, heavy rain accompanied by strong winds lasted nearly 20 minutes, while hailstorms continued for about five minutes, creating chaos in the region. The impact was most severe on wheat fields, where crops were flattened.
Farmers said that if adverse weather continues, losses could rise further. Power supply was also disrupted in several areas due to the storm, causing inconvenience to residents.
The sudden rain spell has compounded difficulties for farmers who were already grappling with cold conditions, with more rainfall forecast in the coming days.
For farmers, the timing of the hailstorm is particularly damaging, as crops are at a critical stage of growth.
–IANS
