Madhya Pradesh has witnessed a significant improvement in monsoon activity after a delayed start to the season, with rainfall during the first half of July helping the state surpass its seasonal average. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the state has so far received nearly 25% of its total seasonal rainfall, with precipitation currently standing 8% above normal.

The southwest monsoon arrived in Madhya Pradesh on June 24—nine days later than its usual onset. However, it covered the entire state within the following nine days. While the delayed arrival resulted in a rainfall deficit of nearly 30% during June, continuous showers in early July have reversed the trend.

Rainfall Surpasses Seasonal Average

IMD Bhopal data shows that Madhya Pradesh has received an average of 9.4 inches of rainfall against the normal 8.7 inches expected during this period. As a result, the state has recorded rainfall 8% above the long-term average.

Meteorologists say the intense spell of rain witnessed over the past week has now eased, although another weather system is expected to become active during the coming week, which could trigger fresh heavy rainfall across several regions.

Malwa-Nimar Region Performs Best

Western Madhya Pradesh, particularly the Malwa and Nimar regions, has recorded the strongest monsoon performance so far.

Dewas has emerged as the wettest district in the state, receiving nearly 17.9 inches of rainfall, accounting for more than 50% of its seasonal quota. Other districts including Bhopal, Sehore, Indore, Burhanpur and Harda have also crossed the 12-inch mark.

At the other end of the spectrum, Alirajpur remains the driest district, recording only 2.3 inches of rainfall—around 7% of its seasonal target.

Rainfall Distribution Across Districts

Several districts continue to experience below-normal rainfall despite the recent improvement. These include Anuppur, Balaghat, Dindori, Jabalpur, Katni, Maihar, Mandla, Mauganj, Narsinghpur, Rewa, Sagar, Satna, Shahdol, Sidhi, Singrauli, Tikamgarh, Umaria, Alirajpur, Datia, Dhar, Jhabua, Morena, Narmadapuram, Raisen and Shivpuri.

Meanwhile, districts such as Agar Malwa, Ashoknagar, Barwani, Betul, Bhind, Bhopal, Burhanpur, Dewas, Guna, Gwalior, Harda, Indore, Khandwa, Khargone, Mandsaur, Neemuch, Rajgarh, Ratlam, Sehore, Shajapur, Sheopur, Ujjain, Vidisha, Chhatarpur, Chhindwara, Damoh, Niwari, Pandhurna, Panna and Seoni have recorded above-normal rainfall.

Water Levels Improve in Rivers and Reservoirs

The recent spell of rain has also improved water storage in rivers and reservoirs across the state.

While no major dam has reached overflow levels yet, authorities expect reservoir levels to rise substantially during August if rainfall continues. Rivers such as the Kolans, which feeds Bhopal's Upper Lake, are witnessing increased inflows. Water levels have also improved in Kerwa and Kaliyasot dams.

Tourist attractions including Brihaspati Kund and Pandav Falls in Panna have also witnessed increased water flow following the recent rainfall.

Weather Outlook for the Week Ahead

Weather experts say the current spell of widespread heavy rain has temporarily weakened. However, a fresh weather system is likely to develop during the coming week, increasing rainfall activity once again across many parts of Madhya Pradesh.

According to weather expert Shailendra Kumar Nayak, July has remained favourable for monsoon activity due to multiple active weather systems. Although rainfall is expected to remain light over the next few days, another strong spell may begin next week.

Five Major Cities Record Healthy Rainfall

Among the major cities, Bhopal has already received around 12.9 inches of rainfall, amounting to nearly one-third of its seasonal quota. Indore has recorded approximately 14 inches, while Ujjain has received 11.7 inches.

Jabalpur has reported 8.6 inches of rainfall, while Gwalior and adjoining Chambal districts, despite a delayed monsoon onset, have also recorded encouraging rainfall levels compared to the early weeks of the season.

With another weather system expected to become active soon, meteorologists believe rainfall figures across the state are likely to improve further in the coming days.