Madhya Pradesh is witnessing a weak monsoon spell, with the state recording a 17% rainfall deficit so far this season. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the state has received only 268.1 mm (10.5 inches) of rainfall against the normal 323.2 mm (12.7 inches). Although intermittent showers have continued across several regions, widespread heavy rainfall has remained absent for the past 13 days, raising concerns over agriculture, water availability and rising electricity demand.

The IMD has issued a heavy rainfall alert for Morena, Bhind, Damoh and Katni districts on Tuesday. Light to moderate rain is expected in several other districts, including Bhopal, Sehore, Raisen, Rajgarh, Vidisha, Indore, Dhar, Jhabua, Alirajpur, Burhanpur, Barwani, Khandwa and Khargone. Meanwhile, Neemuch, Mandsaur and Ratlam are likely to remain dry.

Rainfall Deficit Widens Across the State

Despite occasional showers in the past few days, rainfall has remained well below seasonal expectations. Weather officials said the scattered rain has not been sufficient to offset the overall deficit.

Until early July, western Madhya Pradesh—including Bhopal, Indore, Ujjain, Narmadapuram, Gwalior and Chambal divisions—was recording surplus rainfall. However, by July 20, the region had slipped into a 12% rainfall deficit.

Eastern Madhya Pradesh, covering Jabalpur, Rewa, Shahdol and Sagar divisions, is currently reporting a 17% rainfall deficit, indicating that the weak monsoon has affected almost the entire state.

39 Districts Receive Below-Normal Rainfall

Rainfall remains below normal in 39 districts of Madhya Pradesh.

Districts such as Jabalpur, Rewa, Satna, Sagar, Chhindwara, Mandla, Damoh, Tikamgarh, Morena, Dhar, Barwani, Vidisha, Raisen, Ratlam, Shivpuri, Sheopur and Alirajpur continue to report rainfall below the seasonal average.

On the other hand, 16 districts, including Dewas, Bhopal, Indore, Sehore, Ujjain, Harda, Rajgarh, Neemuch, Burhanpur, Khandwa and Khargone, have received above-normal rainfall despite the statewide deficit.

Dewas Emerges as Wettest District

Among all districts, Dewas has recorded the highest rainfall surplus, receiving 102% more rain than normal, with nearly 18 inches recorded so far.

Harda has received around 15 inches, while Indore and Sehore have recorded approximately 14 inches each. Bhopal has received about 13.1 inches of rainfall.

In contrast, Alirajpur remains the driest district, recording only 2.25 inches of rainfall—74% below normal, the lowest in Madhya Pradesh.

Strong Weather System Expected Later This Month

Weather expert Shailendra Kumar Nayak said a stronger monsoon system is likely to become active during the last week of July, which could bring widespread rainfall across the state.

Currently, weak weather systems around Madhya Pradesh are producing only scattered showers, preventing sustained heavy rainfall over large areas.

Power Demand Rises Amid Weak Monsoon

The prolonged dry spell and higher temperatures have also led to increased electricity consumption across the state, as households and businesses continue to rely heavily on cooling appliances. The weak monsoon has delayed the usual drop in power demand that typically accompanies widespread rainfall.

July Remains Crucial for Madhya Pradesh

July is traditionally the wettest month for Madhya Pradesh, contributing nearly 40% of the state's annual monsoon rainfall.

Historically, Bhopal receives around 14 inches of rainfall during July, while Jabalpur averages over 17 inches, making it the wettest major city in the state during the monsoon season. However, this year's subdued rainfall has kept seasonal totals below normal across most regions.

With forecasts indicating stronger monsoon activity in the coming days, authorities and farmers will be hoping for widespread rainfall to reduce the deficit and improve water availability across Madhya Pradesh.