Madhya Pradesh completed its overall rainfall quota for July despite two prolonged monsoon breaks during the month. However, deficient rainfall in June continues to weigh on the seasonal figures, leaving the state with 13 per cent below-normal rainfall so far this monsoon.

According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), 42 of the state's 55 districts have received less than normal rainfall till the end of July. Weather officials have indicated that widespread heavy rainfall is unlikely over the next four days, although rainfall activity is expected to continue at several places across the state.

July Compensates for Weak June

The state witnessed two active weather systems during the last week of July, which helped improve the monthly rainfall figures after two lengthy dry spells earlier in the season. Even so, the cumulative seasonal rainfall remains below normal because June ended with a 14 per cent rainfall deficit.

As of August 1, Madhya Pradesh has recorded an average of 390.3 mm (15.4 inches) of rainfall against the normal 448.4 mm (17.6 inches), resulting in a deficit of nearly 58 mm, or 13 per cent.

Eastern Madhya Pradesh has received 15 per cent less rainfall than normal, while western parts of the state are reporting an 11 per cent shortfall.

Heavy Rain Unlikely for Next Four Days

The IMD said the three strong weather systems responsible for widespread rainfall over the past two days are gradually weakening. As a result, the intensity of rainfall is expected to reduce across the state over the next four days.

While isolated light to moderate showers are likely to continue, officials have not forecast widespread heavy rainfall during this period. However, meteorologists said the situation could change if new weather systems develop over central India during the coming days.

Khargone, Ratlam Receive Significant Rain

Khargone district recorded nearly 2.2 inches of rainfall during the past 24 hours. Jhirnya received the highest rainfall at 3.8 inches, followed by Gogawan (3.5 inches), Kasrawad (3.1 inches), Maheshwar (2.6 inches), Segaon (1.9 inches), Bhikangaon and Sanawad (around 1.8–1.9 inches), Barwah (1.7 inches), while Khargone town recorded 1.3 inches.

In Ratlam, intermittent rainfall continued on Saturday morning, taking the season's total rainfall to over 13 inches. The city's Hanuman Tal has filled up following continuous showers. However, rainfall remains considerably lower than last year, when the district had received nearly 22 inches by the same period.

District-Wise Rainfall Picture

Only 13 districts have recorded above-normal rainfall so far this season, including Indore, Sehore, Rajgarh, Khargone, Dewas, Burhanpur, Khandwa, Barwani, Bhind, Shahdol, Umaria, Tikamgarh and Mauganj.

The remaining 42 districts, including Bhopal, Gwalior, Jabalpur, Ujjain, Sagar, Ratlam, Mandsaur, Vidisha, Raisen, Narmadapuram, Dhar, Neemuch, Morena and Shivpuri, continue to report rainfall below the seasonal average.

August Expected to Improve Monsoon Performance

Meteorologists remain optimistic that rainfall during August, traditionally the wettest month in Madhya Pradesh, will help reduce the seasonal deficit. Historically, several major cities—including Bhopal, Indore, Jabalpur, Gwalior and Ujjain—receive a substantial share of their annual rainfall during August.

With the state's average annual rainfall standing at 37.3 inches, weather officials expect fresh monsoon systems during the month to improve the overall seasonal rainfall position.