For the fourth time this February, Madhya Pradesh's weather has taken a dramatic turn, with over 20 districts experiencing hailstorms, heavy rainfall, and strong winds over the past 48 hours. The unseasonal downpour has raised concerns among farmers as standing wheat and gram crops—vital to the region's rabi season—have suffered significant damage .
According to the Meteorological Department, a cyclonic circulation and trough system triggered this fresh spell of MP weather update chaos, affecting districts including Chhindwara, Seoni, Betul, Pandhurna, Ratlam, Ujjain, Balaghat, Mandla, Khandwa, Sehore, Raisen, Indore, Anuppur, and Dindori on Tuesday. Isolated hailstorms were also reported in Shivpuri, Tikamgarh, Chhatarpur, Maihar, Sidhi, and Singrauli, compounding the distress for farmers already grappling with an erratic season .
Why This Matters Right Now
This MP weather update arrives at a critical juncture for the state's agriculture sector. With the rabi harvest season approaching, wheat, chickpea (gram), and mustard crops are in their final growth stages. Hailstorms and waterlogging can cause irreversible damage—shattering pods, bending stalks, and inviting fungal infections .
Farmers in Gwalior-Chambal, one of the worst-hit regions, have reported flattened mustard fields and submerged vegetable patches. In Morena's Kalaras town, hailstones pelted farms for nearly 20 minutes on Tuesday evening, leaving standing crops in tatters .
The timing couldn't be more delicate. As The Hindu BusinessLine reported earlier this week, while recent rains have lowered the risk of yield drops in some areas, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) had warned that hailstorms and high-speed winds could still pose serious threats to standing crops . That warning has now become a ground reality for thousands of Madhya Pradesh farmers.
Rainfall Spread: Which Districts Got Wettest?
Over the last 24 hours, light to moderate rainfall was recorded across a vast swath of the state. Here's the full list of affected districts:
| Region | Districts Affected |
| West MP | Sheopur, Shivpuri, Gwalior, Alirajpur, Barwani, Dhar, Ratlam, Ujjain |
| Central MP | Ashoknagar, Tikamgarh, Chhatarpur, Panna, Damoh, Jabalpur, Sehore, Raisen |
| East MP | Satna, Maihar, Rewa, Mauganj, Sidhi, Singrauli, Mandla, Balaghat, Anuppur, Dindori |
Hailstorm activity was particularly intense in Shivpuri, Tikamgarh, Chhatarpur, Maihar, Sidhi, and Singrauli, where pea-sized hailstones damaged vegetable crops and orchards .
Western Disturbance to Bring More Rain in March
If you thought February's weather drama was over, think again. Meteorologists have confirmed that a fresh Western Disturbance is likely to affect the Western Himalayan region from February 27, and its ripple effects will extend into Madhya Pradesh .
This means the state could see another round of rainfall on March 1 and 2. While the intensity is expected to be lower than the current spell, farmers are advised to stay alert and prepare for possible crop protection measures.
Long-range forecasts suggest March 2025 will be a month of contrasting weather. According to weather models, the first two weeks may see cloud cover and isolated showers, while the latter half could bring a sharp rise in temperatures, with some districts bracing for heatwave-like conditions by month-end .
Temperature Swings: Warm Days, Cool Nights Persist
Despite the rain and hail, cold conditions have not returned to most parts of the state. Daytime temperatures in non-affected districts continue to hover above 30°C, while nights remain pleasantly cool.
Here's how the mercury shaped up overnight:
- Pachmarhi: 10.8°C (state's coldest)
- Mandsaur: 10.9°C
- Shajapur: 11.5°C
- Chitrakoot: 11.7°C
- Rajgarh: 12.0°C
- Khajuraho: 12.2°C
- Datia: 12.3°C
In major cities, Bhopal recorded a minimum of 14.2°C, while Indore and Gwalior settled around 15°C. Daytime temperatures, however, remain warm—a trend meteorologists attribute to the absence of strong northerly winds .
February: A Month of Four Weather Extremes
This February has been anything but ordinary for Madhya Pradesh. The state has now witnessed four distinct weather events:
1. Early February: First round of hailstorms and rain damaged crops in multiple districts
2. February 18-21: Widespread rainfall across central and eastern MP
3. February 23-24: Current spell of hailstorms and heavy rain affecting 20+ districts
4. Late February forecast: Another Western Disturbance expected around February 27
This frequency is unusual for February, which typically serves as a transition month between winter and summer. Historical data shows that while rain in February isn't rare—Jabalpur, for instance, has recorded February rainfall in six of the past ten years—the intensity and geographical spread this year stand out .
What This Means for Farmers
For farmers, this MP weather update brings both concern and a glimmer of hope. The immediate damage to wheat, gram, and mustard is undeniable. Pod shattering in mustard and lodging in wheat can lead to yield losses if not managed promptly.
However, agricultural experts suggest that the moisture from these rains could benefit the crops if the weather clears quickly. The key is disease management—humid conditions post-rain can trigger fungal outbreaks in standing crops.
Actionable Tips for Farmers:
- Inspect fields immediately: Identify waterlogging zones and create drainage channels
- Report losses: Visit local patwari or agriculture department offices to file damage reports for potential compensation
- Monitor for pests: Increased moisture can attract aphids and other pests; stay vigilant
- Delay harvest if needed: If crops are close to maturity, consider waiting a few extra days for stalks to dry properly
The state government has conducted previous surveys of crop damage after earlier February spells, and similar assessments are expected this time .
City-Wise Weather Outlook
Here's what residents across Madhya Pradesh can expect in the coming days:
Bhopal
- Current: Warm days (31-33°C), cool nights (14-16°C)
- Forecast: Clear skies from February 26; possible rain on March 1-2
Indore
- Current: Day temperatures around 32°C, nights near 15°C
- Forecast: Dry weather until month-end; isolated showers possible in early March
Gwalior
- Current: Cooler than rest of state (daytime 26-28°C)
- Forecast: Cloudy conditions may persist; rain likely on March 1-2
Jabalpur
- Current: Variable weather with temperatures between 30°C (day) and 13°C (night)
- Forecast: Another wet spell possible in early March
Ujjain
- Current: Warm days (31°C) with cool nights (14°C)
- Forecast: Limited rain chances; mostly dry after current system passes
As this MP weather update makes clear, Madhya Pradesh is experiencing one of its most active February weather patterns in recent years. With 20 districts already affected and more rain likely in early March, residents and farmers must stay informed and prepared.
For urban dwellers, the immediate forecast is favorable—skies will clear by Wednesday, and temperatures will remain pleasant. But for the farming community, the next few weeks will determine just how severe the crop damage truly is.
Meteorologists advise keeping a close watch on IMD bulletins, especially as the next Western Disturbance approaches. March, it seems, may have a few more weather surprises in store .
