Madhya Pradesh is witnessing an unusual spell of heat in the middle of the monsoon season, with maximum temperatures crossing 36°C in several districts after a prolonged pause in heavy rainfall. Weather officials say the state has not witnessed heavy or very heavy rain for the past six days, and widespread showers are unlikely over the next five days.

According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), Bhopal, the weakening monsoon has pushed temperatures to levels more typical of March and April, while the state's cumulative rainfall remains 7% below normal.

Rainfall Remains Below Average

IMD data shows Madhya Pradesh has received 241.8 mm of rainfall so far this season against the normal 260 mm, leaving the state with a rainfall deficit of around 7%.

The shortfall is more pronounced in eastern Madhya Pradesh, including the divisions of Jabalpur, Sagar, Shahdol and Rewa, where rainfall is nearly 21% below normal. Western divisions, including Bhopal, Indore, Ujjain, Narmadapuram and Gwalior-Chambal, have recorded a comparatively lower deficit of about 6%.

Meteorologists attributed the current conditions to a weak monsoon phase, with no major rain-bearing systems affecting the state over the past week.

Light Rain Expected in 21 Districts

The weather department has forecast light rainfall on Wednesday in districts including Indore, Ujjain, Ratlam, Jhabua, Dhar, Alirajpur, Chhindwara, Pandhurna, Seoni, Mandla, Balaghat, Dindori, Anuppur, Umaria, Shahdol, Satna, Maihar, Rewa, Mauganj, Sidhi and Singrauli.

Meanwhile, warm and humid conditions are expected to persist across several other districts, including Bhopal, Sehore, Raisen, Vidisha, Rajgarh, Narmadapuram, Gwalior, Morena, Shivpuri, Jabalpur, Sagar, Damoh, Chhatarpur, Khandwa, Khargone, Dewas, Ujjain, Neemuch, Mandsaur and Harda.

July Heat Raises Concern

July is traditionally the wettest month in Madhya Pradesh, contributing nearly 40% of the state's seasonal monsoon rainfall. The current dry spell has therefore raised concerns among meteorologists and farmers alike.

Officials noted that while rainfall improved during the first week of July after a weak June, the recent lull has once again pushed the state's rainfall statistics into the deficit category.

With limited rainfall expected over the coming days, daytime temperatures are likely to rise further.

Some Districts Continue to Perform Well

Despite the statewide deficit, a few districts have recorded above-normal rainfall.

Dewas remains the best-performing district, having received rainfall 102% above normal, with nearly 18 inches of rain so far this season.

Other districts showing healthy rainfall include Indore, Sehore, Harda, Bhopal, Betul, Burhanpur, Khandwa, Khargone, Raisen, Rajgarh, Ratlam, Ujjain, Vidisha, Jabalpur, Mandla, Sagar, Seoni and Balaghat.

In contrast, Alirajpur has recorded the lowest rainfall in the state, receiving only about 2.25 inches, nearly 74% below normal.

Historic Rainfall Records

Historical IMD records underline how unusual the current weather pattern is.

• Bhopal recorded a record 41 inches of rainfall in July 1986, while the city's highest single-day rainfall of nearly 11 inches occurred on 22 July 1973.

• Indore witnessed its highest 24-hour rainfall of 11.5 inches on 27 July 1913, while the city recorded more than 30 inches during July 1973.

With no significant weather systems expected to develop immediately, meteorologists say Madhya Pradesh may continue to experience hot days until monsoon activity strengthens again.