Mercury jumps 4.2°C in 48 hours, Indore braces as heat turns harsh

Indore: Mercury in Indore surged by 4.2 degrees Celsius within 48 hours, climbing from 35 degree Celsius from Friday to 39.2 degree Celsius on Sunday, the highest recorded day temperature this season so far.The sudden spike is being strongly felt across the city. Afternoons have turned harsh and draining, as sharp sunlight and spells of hot winds have made outdoor movement difficult. Markets and key roads are wearing a quieter look during peak hours, with many choosing to remain indoors to avoid direct exposure.The rise has been steady and pronounced. From 32.2 degree Celsius earlier in the week, the temperature climbed to 37.6 degree Celsius on Saturday, marking a single-day jump of 2.6 degrees, before touching 39.2 degree Celsius on Sunday. In just three days, the mercury has risen by more than 5 degrees, signaling the city's first strong heat phase of the season.The impact has been visible in daily routines, with residents stepping out either early in the morning or later in the evening, as the afternoon heat lingers longer than usual. Despite the intense days, nights have so far remained relatively comfortable. The minimum temperature was recorded at 18.4 degree Celsius, below normal and slightly lower than the previousnight, offering brief relief.Across western Madhya Pradesh, temperatures climbed sharply, with Ratlam recording the highest at 41 degree Celsius, followed by Dhar at 40.2 degree Celsius, Khargone at 39.2 degree Celsius, Ujjain at 38.5 degree Celsius and Khandwa at 38.1 degree Celsius, indicating a widespread rise in heat across the region.Weather officials said the current conditions were driven by a combination of synoptic factors. The western disturbance over northern parts weakened, allowing dry westerly and north-westerly winds to dominate central India. At the same time, a north to south trough extending from Madhya Pradesh towards southern India persisted at lower levels, aiding the flow of warm air. Upper-level subtropical westerly winds continued over northwest India, further supporting the rise in temperatures.Under these conditions, wind speeds reached up to 18 km per hour, adding to the dry heat.Met officials have forecast further escalation, with daytime temperature likely to touch 40 to 41 degree Celsius and a rise of three to five degrees expected over the next four days. Night temperature is also expected to increase gradually, reducing the current relief.With the mercury climbing rapidly, Indore is entering a more intense phase of summer.