INDORE: Met department has predicted dust storm in Ujjain and issued a warning to the residents to remain indoors from 11am to 4pm on Thursday.
Temperature soared in Ujjain to 45 degree Celsius even as thousands of pilgrims gathered in the temple city to take part in Simhastha maha kumbh, a day before the parv snan.
Despite the heat wave, people thronged the ghats to take the holy dip in the Kshipra river and offer prayers at the Mahakal temple.
“Strong heat wave conditions will prevail in Ujjain in coming days,” said met director Anupam Kashyapi, adding that people are advised to take precaution.
The met department has issued a warning dust storm, but claimed that it will remain only for 10-15 minutes or maximum half an hour. “People are advised to not move out from 11am to 4pm,” Kashyapi added.
Earlier in May first week, weather had taken a sharp turn with rain and hailstorm lashing across Ujjain devastating the Simhastha mela area and uprooting pandals erected by the saints. Water had gushed into the fair area inundating various localities. Seven persons were killed and over 90 injured in the rain related incidents.
The recent warning has come in time as lakhs of devotees are expected to reach Ujjain for the parv snan on Thursday and subsequent holyd bath on May 21, when the festival will formally end.
Met department has predicted that sky will be partially cloudy in Ujjain on Thursday. Strong winds are expected to lash across the temple city. Heat wave conditions will persist during the day.
Same conditions are expected to prevail on May 20 and 21, met department sources said.
Source: Met department issues dust storm warning in Ujjain – Times of India