The southwest monsoon continues to remain active across Madhya Pradesh, prompting the India Meteorological Department (IMD) to issue a heavy rainfall alert for 35 districts on Saturday. The weather department has also warned that several parts of the state may witness heavy to very heavy rainfall over the next four days, while another 20 districts are likely to receive light to moderate showers.

According to IMD, Madhya Pradesh has so far recorded an average of 330.4 mm (around 13 inches) of rainfall this monsoon season, which is approximately 35% of the state's normal seasonal rainfall quota. Although rainfall remains below the seasonal average, the deficit has narrowed significantly following widespread showers over the past few days.

Moisture From Arabian Sea and Bay of Bengal Strengthens Monsoon

Meteorologists said the southwest monsoon is fully active across the state due to a combination of favorable weather systems. Continuous moisture inflow from both the Arabian Sea and the Bay of Bengal, along with the monsoon trough passing through Madhya Pradesh, has increased humidity levels to 80–95% in many regions.

According to weather experts, these conditions are creating an ideal environment for widespread rainfall, with isolated areas likely to experience intense downpours over the coming days.

35 Districts Under Heavy Rain Alert

The IMD has issued a heavy rainfall alert for the following districts:

• Bhopal
• Raisen
• Sehore
• Rajgarh
• Vidisha
• Indore
• Jhabua
• Alirajpur
• Dhar
• Burhanpur
• Barwani
• Khandwa
• Khargone
• Ujjain
• Neemuch
• Mandsaur
• Ratlam
• Agar Malwa
• Shajapur
• Dewas
• Narmadapuram
• Betul
• Harda
• Gwalior
• Sheopur
• Morena
• Bhind
• Datia
• Shivpuri
• Guna
• Ashoknagar
• Jabalpur
• Katni
• Narsinghpur
• Chhindwara

Meanwhile, districts including Pandhurna, Seoni, Balaghat, Mandla, Dindori, Rewa, Satna, Sidhi, Singrauli, Mauganj, Maihar, Shahdol, Umaria, Anuppur, Sagar, Panna, Damoh, Chhatarpur, Tikamgarh, and Niwari are expected to receive light to moderate rainfall, with isolated spells of heavy showers.

Rainfall Deficit Narrows After Four Days of Showers

The recent spell of widespread rainfall has improved the state's seasonal rainfall statistics. Until July 20, Madhya Pradesh was facing a rainfall deficit of 17%, but continuous showers over the past four days have reduced the deficit to 11%.

At present, the state has recorded 330.4 mm of rainfall against the normal average of 370.9 mm expected by this time of the monsoon season.

Meteorologists say continued rainfall over the next few days could further reduce the deficit if the current weather pattern persists.

Dewas Leads in Seasonal Rainfall

Rainfall has been above normal in 14 districts, including Dewas, Bhopal, Indore, Sehore, Rajgarh, Harda, Burhanpur, Neemuch, Agar Malwa, Bhind, and Mandsaur.

Among them, Dewas has recorded the highest rainfall so far, receiving nearly 19.6 inches this season. However, despite recent improvements, 41 districts continue to report below-normal rainfall.

Flooding and Waterlogging Risk Remains High

The IMD has cautioned that continuous rainfall may result in waterlogging in low-lying areas, rising water levels in rivers and streams, and localized flood-like situations.

Residents have been advised to:

• Avoid unnecessary travel during heavy rainfall.
• Stay away from overflowing rivers and drains.
• Follow weather advisories issued by local authorities.
• Drive cautiously on waterlogged roads.
• Keep emergency supplies and essential medicines ready if living in flood-prone areas.

Historical Rainfall Records Highlight Monsoon Intensity

Madhya Pradesh has witnessed several remarkable rainfall events over the years.

• Indore recorded its highest 24-hour rainfall of 11.5 inches on July 27, 1913, while July 1973 remains its wettest month with over 30 inches of rainfall.
• Bhopal witnessed nearly 41 inches of rainfall in July 1986, with a one-day record of 11 inches on July 22, 1973.
• Jabalpur holds one of the state's highest monthly rainfall records, receiving nearly 45 inches in July 1930, while recording 13.5 inches in just 24 hours on July 30, 1915.
• Compared to other major cities, Gwalior typically records lower rainfall, averaging around 9 inches in July.
• Ujjain also experiences substantial rainfall during July, receiving nearly 40% of its annual monsoon rainfall during the month.

With the monsoon expected to remain active over the next several days, weather officials have urged residents to stay informed through official forecasts and take necessary precautions in areas vulnerable to flooding.