Madhya Pradesh has already received nearly 25% of its seasonal monsoon rainfall, with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) reporting that the state has recorded 234.4 mm (9.4 inches) of rainfall so far this season. This is around 10% above the normal average for the period, driven largely by widespread rainfall during the first nine days of July.

According to the IMD, 32 districts have received above-normal rainfall, while weather conditions are expected to remain favourable for continued showers throughout July. The department has forecast heavy rainfall in Panna and Satna districts over the next 24 hours, where more than 4 inches (around 100 mm) of rain could be recorded.

Apart from Panna and Satna, rainfall has also been forecast for several districts, including Bhopal, Indore, Ujjain, Raisen, Sehore, Rajgarh, Vidisha, Dhar, Khargone, Khandwa, Betul, Harda, Gwalior, Morena, Bhind, Shivpuri, Guna, Jabalpur, Katni, Chhindwara, Balaghat, Mandla, Rewa, Sidhi, Singrauli, Shahdol, Sagar, Damoh, Chhatarpur and Tikamgarh, among others.

July boosts monsoon performance

Despite a relatively weak June, when the state recorded rainfall nearly 30% below normal, the strong spell of rain in July has significantly improved the overall monsoon situation. The first nine days of July have not only erased the deficit but pushed seasonal rainfall above the long-term average.

While western Madhya Pradesh has received 29% more rainfall than normal, the eastern region continues to remain 9% below average, indicating uneven monsoon distribution across the state.

Several districts receive excess rainfall

Districts including Bhopal, Indore, Ujjain, Vidisha, Rajgarh, Sehore, Betul, Harda, Khandwa, Khargone, Ratlam, Neemuch, Mandsaur, Dewas, Guna, Gwalior, Morena, Bhind, Burhanpur, Balaghat, Chhindwara, Seoni, Damoh, Dindori, Ashoknagar, Barwani, Pandhurna and Shajapur have recorded rainfall above normal levels.

On the other hand, districts such as Rewa, Satna, Panna, Sagar, Sidhi, Singrauli, Shahdol, Jabalpur, Katni, Mandla, Umaria, Tikamgarh, Raisen, Dhar, Jhabua, Narmadapuram and Shivpuri continue to report rainfall below seasonal averages.

Dewas tops rainfall chart

Among all districts, Dewas has emerged as the wettest, recording nearly 18 inches of rainfall, around 125% above normal. Indore and Sehore have each received around 14 inches, while Harda has crossed 15 inches. Bhopal has recorded approximately 13.1 inches of rainfall so far this season.

In contrast, Alirajpur has received the least rainfall, with only about 2.25 inches recorded.

Heavy showers continue across state

Rainfall continued in several districts on Thursday. Mandla recorded nearly three-fourths of an inch of rain, while Singrauli and Balaghat received over half an inch. Moderate rainfall was also reported from Betul, Gwalior, Narmadapuram, Jabalpur, Khajuraho, Sagar, Satna and Sidhi.

The ongoing rains have also disrupted normal life in some areas. In Tikamgarh, a bride's farewell procession had to pass through knee-deep water due to waterlogging and damaged village roads, highlighting the challenges posed by continuous rainfall.

Historic rainfall records

The IMD noted that July has historically been the wettest month in Madhya Pradesh.

• Bhopal recorded a monthly record of nearly 41 inches of rainfall in 1986, while its highest single-day rainfall of 11 inches was recorded on 22 July 1973.

• Indore witnessed its highest 24-hour rainfall of 11.5 inches on 27 July 1913.

• Jabalpur holds the state's highest monthly rainfall record, receiving nearly 45 inches in 1930, with a single-day record of 13.5 inches on 30 July 1915.

• Gwalior, comparatively drier, recorded its highest monthly rainfall of 24.5 inches in 1935.

With active monsoon conditions expected to persist over the coming days, authorities have advised residents in heavy rainfall-prone districts to remain alert and follow weather advisories.