Bhopal, April 2 : The India Meteorological Department (IMD)'s Meteorological Centre Bhopal has issued a warning that thunderstorms accompanied by lightning, gusty winds, and hail will affect large parts of Madhya Pradesh till April 5.

Residents have been advised to remain alert, especially in rural and outdoor areas.

According to the 08.30 a.m. observation-based bulletin issued at 1 p.m. on Thursday, an active â??Western Disturbanceâ?? over East Iran and adjoining Afghanistan, combined with an upper air cyclonic circulation over East Rajasthan and a trough extending from East Rajasthan to the east-central Arabian Sea, is triggering unstable weather conditions across the state.

A separate trough from East Jharkhand to South Chhattisgarh is also contributing to the convective activity.

Rainfall Recorded (in mm) till morning (Thursday); Heavy spells were reported at several places with Pandhurna recording the highest at 80 mm, followed by Sausar (42 mm), Chand (29.2 mm), Khategaon and Sehore (20 mm each).

Other places where notable rainfall was recorded included Harda (17.8 mm), Ghodadongri (17 mm), Amarwara (13.2 mm) and Bhopal (4.2 mm). Many districts received moderate to light showers. Gusty and strong winds were reported at Sagar (56 kmph), Jabalpur (45 kmph), Katni (44 kmph), Sidhi (41 kmph), Indore and Bhopal (37 kmph each).

The weather centre has issued warnings till Friday that thunderstorms with lightning and gusty winds (40-50 kmph) will happen at many places in Jabalpur division (except Dindori), Sagar division (except Niwari), Narmadapuram division, Shahdol division, and districts, including Shivpuri, Bhopal, Vidisha, Sehore, Raisen, Khandwa, Burhanpur, Khargone, Dhar, Indore, Dewas, Ujjain, Mauganj, Sidhi, Singrauli and parts of Satna and Barwani.

Hailstorms are likely in isolated places in Bhopal, Dhar, Vidisha, Sehore, Raisen, Seoni, Damoh, Chhindwara, South Panna and Mandla districts.

The four-day weather maps (till April 6) issued by IMD show widespread thunderstorm activity with moderate to heavy rainfall likely over eastern, central and parts of western Madhya Pradesh in the coming days. Gusty winds of 30-60 kmph and hail are expected at several locations.

The fresh Western Disturbance is likely to affect northwest India from April 7 onwards, but the current system will continue to influence Madhya Pradesh till at least April 5. People have been advised to avoid venturing out during thunderstorms, secure loose objects, and stay away from tall trees and open fields.

/IANS