Madhya Pradesh is expected to witness another spell of heavy rainfall from August 4 and 5, with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasting intense showers across several northern and eastern districts. Until then, light to moderate rainfall is likely to continue across most parts of the state, including Bhopal, Indore, Ujjain, Gwalior and Jabalpur.

According to the IMD's Bhopal Meteorological Centre, two active weather systems, including a low-pressure area over Rajasthan and the monsoon trough passing through Madhya Pradesh, are influencing the state's weather pattern. However, their impact remained limited on Saturday, with only light rainfall reported in districts such as Bhopal, Ratlam and Khargone.

Heavy Rain Alert for August 4-5

The weather department has not issued any heavy rainfall warning for the next 48 hours. However, rainfall activity is expected to intensify from August 4, particularly in the northeastern region of the state.

On August 4, heavy rain is forecast in Chhatarpur, Panna, Satna, Maihar, Sidhi, Umaria, Shahdol and Anuppurdistricts.

The alert expands on August 5, covering Niwari, Tikamgarh, Chhatarpur, Panna, Satna, Rewa and Mauganj, where heavy rainfall is likely.

Rainfall Deficit Continues

Despite an active final week of July, Madhya Pradesh continues to record a rainfall deficit this monsoon season.

The IMD said the state received 14% below-normal rainfall in June. Although rainfall improved during the first week of July, two prolonged monsoon breaks significantly affected seasonal totals. As a result, cumulative rainfall remains 13% below the seasonal average.

The state's normal seasonal rainfall stands at 37.3 inches, while major cities such as Bhopal, Indore, Jabalpur and Gwalior usually receive around 38 to 39 inches during the monsoon.

Uneven Rainfall Across Districts

The rainfall distribution remains highly uneven, with 43 districts reporting below-normal rainfall, including Jabalpur, Ujjain, Guna, Dhar, Ratlam, Vidisha, Morena, Satna, Sidhi and Tikamgarh.

Meanwhile, 12 districts, including Bhopal, Indore, Sehore, Khargone, Khandwa, Burhanpur, Dewas and Shahdol, have recorded above-normal rainfall.

Tourist Spots Come Alive

Recent showers have transformed several tourist destinations across the state. Khargone's Kunda Waterfall is flowing at full capacity following heavy rainfall over the past two days. Authorities have temporarily restricted entry to Sirwel Mahadev as a precaution.

In Ratlam, continuous rain since Saturday morning has pushed seasonal rainfall beyond 13 inches, with the city's Hanuman Tal reservoir reaching full capacity.

Gwalior also witnessed moderate to heavy showers on Saturday afternoon, followed by intermittent drizzle through the night.

August Usually Brings Peak Monsoon

Meteorological records indicate that August is historically the wettest month in Madhya Pradesh.

Bhopal recorded its wettest August in 2006, when nearly 35 inches of rain fell, including over 12 inches in a single day. Indore's highest August rainfall was recorded in 1944, while Jabalpur still holds a century-old record of 44 inches of rainfall in August 1923.

Weather experts expect rainfall activity to strengthen further during the first week of August as fresh monsoon systems become active over central India.