Madhya Pradesh remains under an active monsoon spell, with East MP facing a very heavy rainfall threat today. IMD has warned of thunderstorms, lightning and gusty winds, while the wet spell is expected to continue across the state through August 23.

LAST UPDATED: AUGUST 19, 2026 | 8:30 AM IST

Madhya Pradesh is likely to see another active day of monsoon rainfall on Wednesday, with East Madhya Pradesh under a very heavy rainfall warning at isolated places. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has also warned of thunderstorms, lightning and gusty winds across Madhya Pradesh.

The latest IMD warning places East MP under very heavy rainfall risk on August 19 and 20, followed by heavy rainfall warnings on August 21, 22 and 23. West MP has a thunderstorm and lightning warning today, with heavy rainfall expected on August 20 and 21 and very heavy rain possible on August 22.

2. Eastern Districts Remain the Main Rainfall Zone

The strongest rainfall threat remains concentrated across the eastern and north-eastern parts of the state. Districts in the Rewa, Shahdol and Jabalpur regions are likely to remain particularly sensitive to intense showers.

The previous 24-hour rainfall data also showed strong activity in eastern Madhya Pradesh. The IMD reported 8 cm at Lavkushnagar in Chhatarpur in its August 18 rainfall summary. Earlier observations from the state had also recorded substantial rainfall at Lavkushnagar, Balaghat, Chitrangi and other locations.

3. Rainfall Activity Spreads Across MP

While East MP is facing the highest warning level, rainfall is not expected to remain confined to the eastern districts. IMD forecasts indicate widespread rainfall activity over East MP during the coming days, while West MP is expected to see increasing rainfall activity from August 20.

The weather system responsible for the current spell was associated with a depression over Jharkhand and adjoining northern Gangetic West Bengal. IMD said the system was moving west-northwestwards and was expected to weaken into a well-marked low-pressure area.

4. MP Monsoon Deficit Needs Close Watch

Madhya Pradesh's cumulative rainfall position remains an important part of the monsoon story. The latest previously reported statewide assessment available before the current spell put seasonal rainfall at 544.4 mm, around 12% below normal.

East Madhya Pradesh had been around 18% below normal, while West MP was about 6% below normal. However, the August 19 warning bulletin does not provide a fresh statewide cumulative deficit figure. Therefore, the earlier numbers should not be treated as the final rainfall position after the latest heavy-rain spell.

5. Temperature Watch: Rain Keeps Heat in Check

Repeated showers and cloud cover are likely to keep daytime temperatures relatively subdued across several parts of Madhya Pradesh.

The previous observations showed Gwalior recording the state's highest maximum temperature at 33.5°C, while Datia and Shivpuri touched 32°C. Malanjkhand recorded a much lower maximum of 24.5°C. Such variations are expected to continue as rainfall remains uneven across the state.

6. Flood, Lightning and Farm Risks Rise

Intense rainfall could create waterlogging, flash-flood conditions, rising river and stream levels and temporary disruption on low-lying roads and bridges in vulnerable locations.

Lightning is another major concern. IMD has forecast thunderstorms and lightning over Madhya Pradesh, with gusty winds possible during the active spell. Residents should avoid open areas during thunderstorms and stay away from isolated trees and exposed structures.

Farmers in high-rainfall areas should maintain field drainage and prevent water from accumulating around standing crops. IMD's agricultural guidance has specifically stressed proper drainage in East MP during heavy rainfall episodes.

7. August 20–23: Wet Spell Continues

The rain threat is not expected to end today. East MP is forecast to receive very heavy rainfall at isolated places on August 20, followed by heavy rainfall on August 21–23. West MP has heavy-rain warnings for August 20 and 21, with very heavy rainfall possible on August 22.

The next few days will therefore remain important for rainfall accumulation, river levels, road conditions and the state's overall monsoon deficit. The situation can vary sharply from one district to another, so residents should follow the latest district-level IMD warnings before travelling or undertaking outdoor activities.

Source: India Meteorological Department, Meteorological Centre Bhopal and IMD national weather bulletins.