MP Weather Alert: Heavy Rain in 19 Districts, Schools Shut

Madhya Pradesh remained under a spell of heavy monsoon activity on Saturday, September 5, with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) warning of heavy to very heavy rainfall in several parts of the state. Sheopur and Shivpuri were under an orange alert for very heavy rain, while several districts across the Gwalior-Chambal, Sagar and adjoining regions faced heavy rainfall warnings.

The weather system has also affected normal life in flood-prone areas. Schools and anganwadi centres were closed in several districts as a precaution, while swollen rivers, overflowing dams and waterlogged roads were reported from parts of northern and central Madhya Pradesh.

Heavy Rain Warning Across Northern MP

The latest weather activity is associated with a well-marked low-pressure area over northeast Madhya Pradesh and neighbouring areas. The IMD has forecast heavy to very heavy rainfall over Madhya Pradesh during September 3–5, with heavy rain activity expected to continue in parts of the state after that period.

For September 5, the districts identified in the supplied weather update for heavy or very heavy rainfall include Sheopur, Shivpuri, Gwalior, Morena, Bhind, Datia, Niwari, Tikamgarh, Chhatarpur, Panna, Satna, Sagar, Guna, Ashoknagar, Vidisha, Rajgarh, Shajapur, Agar-Malwa and Mandsaur.

The IMD's Bhopal centre has separately indicated very heavy rainfall conditions for West Madhya Pradesh on September 5 and heavy rainfall conditions for East Madhya Pradesh. 

Schools Shut in Several Districts

With heavy rain and flood-like conditions affecting some areas, district administrations have announced school closures for Saturday.

Schools and, in some districts, anganwadi centres were closed in Morena, Sheopur, Shivpuri, Guna, Bhind, Gwalior and Raisen.

The extent of the closure varies by district. In Sheopur and Guna, the holiday applies from nursery through Class 12, while Bhind and Gwalior have announced closure up to Class 8. Raisen has ordered closure of government and private schools across the district.

The decisions have been taken as precautionary measures amid concerns over waterlogging, swollen rivers and difficult travel conditions.

Sheopur Sees Rising Water Levels

Sheopur has emerged as one of the areas facing significant disruption from the latest spell of rain. The Amral River is in spate, while the Avda Dam has reportedly overflowed after reaching its stated storage level.

Water has entered parts of the vegetable market and other low-lying areas, affecting shops and roads. The route between Vijaypur and Tetara was also reported to have been closed after water reached a bridge over the Kwari River.

The Gupteshwar Temple area has also been affected by rising water, while the Kila Gate area reported waterlogging. Police teams have been deployed at vulnerable locations to monitor the situation.

Dams and Rivers Remain Under Watch

Several water bodies across the state are responding to the continued rainfall.

In Shivpuri, the Harsi Dam began overflowing on Saturday after sustained rainfall increased inflows. Water was reportedly flowing around one-and-a-half feet above the dam's waste weir.

In Bhopal, one gate of the Bhadbhada Dam was opened amid rising water levels. In Mandla, the Narmada River was also reported to be running high, while the Mandakini in the Satna-Chitrakoot region remained a concern after its recent rise.

Authorities have advised residents to avoid rivers, streams, dams and other waterlogged areas, particularly where currents are strong.

MP Has Received 762.7 mm Rain So Far

According to the weather figures cited in the supplied report, Madhya Pradesh had received 762.7 mm of rainfall, or roughly 30 inches, by September 5.

The figure remained below the state's normal rainfall of about 816 mm for the corresponding period, representing a shortfall of around 7%.

However, rainfall distribution has been uneven. The eastern part of Madhya Pradesh had moved into a surplus position, while the western region continued to record a substantial deficit.

Twenty-four districts, including Sheopur, Shivpuri, Gwalior, Bhind, Datia, Bhopal, Panna, Satna, Rajgarh and several others, were reported to have received rainfall above their respective averages.

More Rain Possible Through September 8

The weather system is expected to remain active over parts of Madhya Pradesh in the coming days. The IMD's September 4 outlook indicated heavy rainfall activity over both western and eastern Madhya Pradesh on September 6, with further heavy rainfall warnings for East Madhya Pradesh on September 7 and 8. (Mausam)

The continuing rainfall comes after a relatively uneven monsoon season. While June recorded below-normal rainfall, stronger spells in July and August helped narrow the overall deficit.

For now, the focus remains on northern Madhya Pradesh, where swollen rivers, overflowing water bodies and waterlogging are creating local disruptions. With more rain forecast in the next few days, residents in vulnerable areas are being urged to remain cautious and follow local administration advisories.