The Kanhar River has risen sharply in Balrampur-Ramanujganj district as heavy rain continues in parts of Chhattisgarh, raising concerns of flooding in low-lying areas. Water has reached the CC road in Ward No. 9 of Ramanujganj town after what has been described as the biggest flood-like situation in the area this season. The local administration and municipal authorities have increased vigilance as the river continues to flow strongly.

Rain activity is expected to continue across Chhattisgarh over the next two days. The weather department has forecast light to moderate rain at several places on Wednesday, with heavy showers possible in some areas. Thunderstorms and lightning are also likely at isolated locations. The weather remains active because of a depression over Jharkhand and adjoining northern West Bengal, which is moving west-northwest and influencing rainfall over the region.

The system is expected to move further through Jharkhand and Bihar during the next 24 hours and gradually weaken into a well-marked low-pressure area. Its movement, along with an active monsoon trough, is contributing to the current rainfall pattern in Chhattisgarh. An upper-air cyclonic circulation is also present over eastern Uttar Pradesh and adjoining areas, adding to the weather activity.

In Balrampur, the heavy rain has pushed the Kanhar River close to residential and road areas. Water reaching the CC road in Ward 9 has increased concern among residents living in lower-lying parts of Ramanujganj. Officials and municipal teams are keeping watch on the situation, particularly as further rain could cause the river level to rise again. The exact extent of flooding will depend on rainfall in the river’s catchment areas and the movement of the weather system.

Raipur has also been seeing frequent rain for the past three days. The capital has remained under cloudy conditions, with intermittent showers continuing. On Wednesday, another spell of rain or thunderstorm activity was possible in the city. The maximum temperature was expected to remain around 30 degrees Celsius, while the minimum could stay near 24 degrees.

Across the state, temperatures have remained relatively moderate because of the persistent cloud cover and rainfall. Bilaspur recorded the highest maximum temperature of around 28 degrees Celsius on Wednesday, while Durg recorded the lowest minimum temperature at 21.6 degrees Celsius. The state-wide maximum temperature was around 26 degrees, with the minimum close to 23 degrees.

The weather department has advised caution in areas that receive intense rainfall, particularly where water levels in rivers and streams are already rising. Lightning is another concern during thunderstorms, and people are advised to avoid exposed areas during such spells. In Balrampur-Ramanujganj, the immediate focus remains on monitoring the Kanhar River and keeping residents in vulnerable areas informed.

The rain is expected to continue for at least the next two days, although its intensity may vary from one district to another. For now, the situation in Ramanujganj remains under watch as authorities assess the river level and the possibility of further water entering low-lying areas.

The monsoon has intensified across several parts of India, with heavy rainfall triggering waterlogging, flooding and landslides in multiple states. Uttar Pradesh, Odisha, Himachal Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand have reported significant weather-related disruptions, while the India Meteorological Department has issued rain alerts for several regions over the next two days.

In Lucknow, intense rainfall on Saturday left roads and residential areas waterlogged. Several parts of the Uttar Pradesh capital were inundated after around three hours of heavy rain, with water reaching nearly two feet in some locations.

Meanwhile, rising river levels have increased the flood threat in several districts of Uttar Pradesh. Rivers including the Ganga, Yamuna and Sharda are reported to be flowing at elevated levels. In Chitrakoot, the rising Mandakini River has affected nearby settlements, with floodwater entering homes in some colonies.

Lucknow Faces Severe Waterlogging

Heavy rainfall brought parts of Lucknow to a standstill, with roads turning into stretches of stagnant water. Residential areas and low-lying locations were among the worst affected.

The latest spell has added to concerns over drainage and waterlogging in the city as the monsoon remains active across Uttar Pradesh.

The rising water levels of several rivers are also being closely monitored, particularly in districts located along major river systems.

Chitrakoot River Levels Rise

In Chitrakoot, the Mandakini River has risen rapidly following heavy rainfall in the region. Floodwater reached colonies located near the river and entered some houses.

The situation has raised concerns for residents living in low-lying areas as rainfall continues in parts of the state.

A bridge connecting areas of Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh was also reported to have been submerged, affecting movement in the region.

Odisha Evacuates Over 95,000

Odisha has been among the states most affected by the latest spell of heavy rain. Flooding disrupted normal life across six districts, with more than 95,000 people evacuated from vulnerable and low-lying areas following heavy rainfall during the previous 24 hours.

In Jajpur district, the Kani River rose sharply at Dasarathpur, causing water to accumulate across nearby areas.

An under-construction bridge over the Kani River, a tributary of the Baitarani, was washed away by floodwaters. The incident disrupted connectivity and highlighted the impact of the sudden rise in river levels.

The state remains under a heavy rainfall alert through August 18.

Himachal Reports 183 Deaths

Himachal Pradesh has also witnessed significant monsoon-related losses. According to the latest figures, 183 people have died in rain- and monsoon-related incidents between June 30 and August 15.

As of Saturday evening, 103 roads remained closed across the hill state due to landslides, flooding and other weather-related disruptions.

Authorities continue to monitor vulnerable areas as further rainfall could trigger additional landslides and road blockages.

Army Personnel Missing in Arunachal

In Arunachal Pradesh's Dibang Valley, a cloudburst triggered flash floods and landslides, leaving five Army personnel missing.

The Army said two soldiers were rescued safely, while search and rescue operations continued for the remaining personnel. Multiple Army teams and helicopters have been deployed for relief and search operations.

Elsewhere in Upper Subansiri district, a landslide reportedly killed four people.

Uttarakhand Dam Near Danger Mark

In Uttarakhand, the water level at Tehri Dam has reached the danger mark amid continuing rainfall and rising water levels.

Authorities are keeping a close watch on the situation as heavy rain is expected to continue in parts of the state.

Red Alert in Odisha, Bengal

The weather situation is expected to remain active over the next two days.

For August 17, a red alert has been issued for heavy rain in Odisha and West Bengal. An orange alert is in place for Assam-Meghalaya, Arunachal Pradesh, Jharkhand, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh and Jammu and Kashmir-Ladakh.

A yellow alert covers Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, Delhi, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, central Maharashtra, Konkan-Goa, Sikkim and several northeastern states.

For August 18, an orange alert has been issued for Uttarakhand, Jharkhand and Odisha, while several northern, central and northeastern states remain under yellow alerts.

With rivers already running high in several regions, authorities are expected to maintain close surveillance of flood-prone and landslide-prone areas as the latest monsoon spell continues.

 Madhya Pradesh is likely to witness another spell of heavy rainfall on Saturday, with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) issuing alerts for 21 districts, including Jabalpur, Shahdol and Sagar. Several parts of the state could receive 4 to 8 inches of rain over the next 24 hours as a strong weather system remains active over eastern Madhya Pradesh.

According to the IMD Bhopal, the system is expected to have its strongest impact over the eastern parts of the state. Heavy rainfall is likely to continue for the next four days, particularly across the Jabalpur, Rewa, Sagar and Shahdol divisions.

Heavy Rain Alert

Three districts — Narmadapuram, Chhatarpur and Umaria — are likely to receive very heavy rainfall on Saturday.

Heavy rain has also been forecast for Jabalpur, Sagar, Raisen, Narsinghpur, Chhindwara, Seoni, Balaghat, Mandla, Dindori, Anuppur, Shahdol, Katni, Panna, Tikamgarh, Rewa, Mauganj, Sidhi and Singrauli.

Several other districts, including Bhopal, Sehore, Rajgarh, Vidisha, Indore, Dhar, Alirajpur, Burhanpur, Barwani, Khandwa, Khargone, Jhabua, Ujjain, Neemuch, Agar-Malwa, Mandsaur, Shajapur, Dewas, Ratlam, Betul, Harda, Gwalior, Shivpuri, Datia, Morena, Bhind, Sheopur, Satna, Maihar, Damoh and Niwari, may also receive rain ranging from light to intense spells.

Strong System Over East MP

Weather expert Shailendra Kumar Naik said a low-pressure area that developed over the Bay of Bengal has intensified into a depression. Its impact is expected to remain strongest over eastern Madhya Pradesh, resulting in heavy rainfall across several districts.

The eastern divisions have already experienced uneven rainfall during the monsoon season. Despite recent spells of intense rain, several districts continue to record below-normal rainfall.

Waterlogging and Overflow

Heavy rain has already created problems in parts of the state.

In Khargone's Gogawan area, continuous rainfall caused the Satak reservoir to overflow. The reservoir has a capacity of around 18.38 million cubic metres and overflowed after two years.

In Satna, intermittent rain affected rural areas, particularly the low-lying and hilly regions. Water from the hills has increased the flow of the waterfall near Dharkundi Ashram, with water entering parts of the premises.

Waterlogging was also reported at the Kotor Nagar Parishad office and nearby shops. Water entered a ward of the community health centre, following which pregnant women were referred to the district hospital.

On the Birsinghpur-Semariya road, the Mau river was reported to be flowing over the bridge, raising concerns for commuters.

Rainfall Deficit Persists

According to the IMD, 12 districts have so far recorded rainfall above their average levels, including Bhopal, Guna, Sehore, Rajgarh, Gwalior, Anuppur, Bhind, Burhanpur, Dewas, Barwani, Khandwa and Khargone.

However, 43 districts continue to record deficient rainfall.

Jabalpur, Rewa, Sagar and Shahdol divisions have recorded rainfall deficits of up to 19 per cent. Several districts in eastern MP, including Balaghat, Chhatarpur, Chhindwara, Damoh, Dindori, Jabalpur, Katni, Mandla, Panna, Rewa, Sagar, Satna, Seoni, Shahdol, Sidhi, Singrauli, Tikamgarh and Umaria, have recorded deficits ranging from 2 to 54 per cent.

Parts of western Madhya Pradesh have also received less rainfall than normal.

Monsoon Pattern This Season

The state recorded 14 per cent below-normal rainfall in June. Rainfall improved during the early part of July, but the monsoon subsequently entered two periods of weaker activity.

A strong weather system became active again towards the end of the period, bringing widespread rain. While July's rainfall quota was eventually met, the deficit accumulated during June has not been completely recovered.

Madhya Pradesh receives around 37.3 inches of normal annual rainfall, although the average varies significantly between districts.

Historic August Rainfall Records

August is traditionally an important rainfall month for several major cities in Madhya Pradesh.

Bhopal recorded around 35 inches of rainfall in August 2006, its highest monthly August total. The city received nearly 12 inches in 24 hours on August 14 that year.

Indore recorded around 28 inches of rainfall in August 1944, while its highest 24-hour August rainfall was around 10.5 inches on August 22, 2020.

Gwalior recorded around 8.5 inches in 24 hours on August 10, 1927. Its highest monthly August rainfall was around 28 inches in 1916.

Jabalpur recorded around 44 inches of rainfall in August 1923. On August 20 that year, the city received nearly 13 inches of rain within 24 hours.

Ujjain recorded around 35 inches of rainfall in August 2006, including approximately 12 inches in 24 hours.

With the strong weather system currently active, authorities and residents in vulnerable districts are likely to remain watchful over the next several days, particularly in areas prone to flooding, waterlogging and river overflow.

Chhattisgarh is likely to witness another spell of heavy rainfall, with the Meteorological Department warning of heavy to very heavy rain at several places in the northern parts of the state. The wet spell is expected to continue for the next two days before rainfall activity gradually decreases.

During the past 24 hours, parts of the Surguja division recorded heavy to extremely heavy rainfall. Kusmi received the highest rainfall at 180 mm (7.1 inches), while Daura Kochli, Biharapur and Pratappur recorded around 130 mm (5.1 inches) each.

Depression Drives Rainfall

According to the weather department, a depression located over Jharkhand and adjoining areas of West Bengal remains active. Its influence is expected to keep rainfall activity strong over northern Chhattisgarh during the next two days.

Several areas may also experience thunderstorms, lightning and heavy showers during this period. After the next two days, rainfall activity is expected to gradually weaken.

Rain Forecast for Raipur

The state capital is likely to remain cloudy on Saturday, August 15. The weather department has forecast spells of rain or thundershowers in Raipur, with the possibility of lightning during some periods.

The maximum temperature is expected to remain around 27°C, while the minimum temperature could be close to 25°C.

Temperature Across State

Durg recorded the highest maximum temperature in Chhattisgarh at 32.2°C, while Pendra Road recorded the lowest minimum temperature at 22°C.

Several parts of the state received light to moderate rainfall during the previous 24 hours.

Rainfall Deficit Continues

Despite the recent showers, Chhattisgarh has received slightly less rainfall than normal since the beginning of the monsoon season.

Between June 1 and August 13, the state recorded 668.8 mm (26.3 inches) of rainfall against the normal 734.4 mm (28.9 inches) for the period. This represents a deficit of 65.6 mm (2.6 inches), or 9 per cent.

The overall rainfall situation in the state, however, remains within the normal category.

Narayanpur Leads Rainfall

On a district-wise basis, Narayanpur has recorded the highest cumulative rainfall so far at 1,043.9 mm (41.1 inches). Its normal rainfall for the period is 780.7 mm, making the actual rainfall 34 per cent above normal.

Other districts with high rainfall include Sarangarh-Bilaigarh with 948.2 mm, Bijapur with 870.6 mm, Janjgir with 857.3 mm and Mahasamund with 835.6 mm.

Sarangarh Sees Highest Surplus

Sarangarh-Bilaigarh has recorded the highest rainfall surplus in the state. Against normal rainfall of 598.2 mm, the district has received 948.2 mm, which is 59 per cent above normal.

Narayanpur follows with a 34 per cent surplus, while rainfall in Mungeli is 32 per cent above normal. Balodabazar, Mahasamund and Janjgir have recorded surpluses of 28 per cent, 26 per cent and 24 per cent, respectively.

Surguja Faces Biggest Deficit

Surguja has recorded the state's largest rainfall deficit. The district has received 379.6 mm against normal rainfall of 773.2 mm, resulting in a 51 per cent deficit.

Jashpur has recorded a 45 per cent deficit, followed by Bemetara at 40 per cent, Kanker at 35 per cent, Surajpur at 22 per cent, and Bastar and Kabirdham at 21 per cent each.

Raipur Above Normal

Raipur has received 727.8 mm (28.7 inches) of rainfall up to August 13, compared with its normal rainfall of 641.9 mm (25.3 inches). This means the capital has received 85.9 mm, or 13 per cent, more rainfall than normal.

Overall, 20 of Chhattisgarh's 33 districts are currently in the normal rainfall category, while six districts have received above-normal rainfall and seven remain below normal.

The Government of India is implementing Mission Mausam, a comprehensive Central Sector Scheme of the Ministry of Earth Sciences aimed at making India a “weather-ready and climate-smart nation.” The mission focuses on strengthening weather and Earth-system observation, improving early warnings for high-impact weather events and expanding seamless weather and climate services.

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Focus on Advanced Weather Systems

The mission seeks to modernise India's weather monitoring and forecasting infrastructure through advanced technologies.

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Six Areas for 2026-31

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AI to Improve Forecast Accuracy

One of the major components of Mission Mausam is the use of AI and ML alongside conventional numerical weather prediction systems.

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Stronger Early Warning Network

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Madhya Pradesh is facing a significant monsoon shortfall this season, with the state recording an overall rainfall deficit of nearly 18 per cent, raising concerns over drought-like conditions and the impact on agriculture. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the state has received 413.3 mm (16.3 inches) of rainfall so far against the normal 507.2 mm (20 inches) expected by this stage of the season.

Rainfall has remained below normal in 49 districts, while only six districts have reported above-average precipitation. However, the IMD has forecast widespread rainfall, including heavy showers in several districts over the next three days, offering hope for improvement.

Major Cities Report Rainfall Deficit

Among Madhya Pradesh's major urban centres, Gwalior is the only city to have received above-normal rainfall, recording a surplus of seven per cent.

Other major cities continue to report deficits:

• Bhopal: 7% below normal

• Indore: 2% below normal

• Ujjain: 14% below normal

• Jabalpur: 29% below normal

Officials said all districts under the Bhopal, Jabalpur, Sagar, Shahdol, Rewa and Narmadapuram divisions are currently experiencing below-average rainfall.

Heavy Rain Expected Across Northern MP

The IMD has predicted that an active weather system, supported by a fresh western disturbance, is likely to trigger heavy rainfall across northern Madhya Pradesh over the next three days.

Heavy rainfall alerts have been issued for Gwalior, Bhind, Morena, Datia, Shivpuri, Tikamgarh, Chhatarpur, Panna and Damoh on Thursday.

Moderate to heavy rainfall is also expected in several other districts, including Bhopal, Raisen, Sehore, Vidisha, Rajgarh, Indore, Dhar, Ujjain, Dewas, Ratlam, Khandwa, Khargone, Narmadapuram, Betul, Harda, Guna, Ashoknagar, Jabalpur, Katni, Chhindwara, Balaghat, Mandla, Rewa, Satna, Sidhi, Singrauli, Shahdol, Umaria, Anuppur, Sagar and adjoining regions.

Fresh Weather System Active

Meteorologist Shailendra Kumar Nayak said a fresh western disturbance has become active, which is expected to strengthen monsoon activity across the state.

If the system remains active for the next few days, rainfall figures could improve significantly and provide relief to drought-hit regions.

Rainfall Still Below Seasonal Requirement

The state has received less than half of its total seasonal rainfall target so far.

The IMD said Madhya Pradesh normally records around 37.3 inches of rainfall during the southwest monsoon season. Major districts such as Bhopal, Indore, Jabalpur and Gwalior generally receive between 38 and 39 inches of seasonal rainfall.

Officials noted that June ended with a 14 per cent rainfall deficit. Although early July witnessed a brief improvement, two extended monsoon breaks later in the month reduced overall precipitation, resulting in a 13 per cent deficit during July as well.

Agriculture Sector Awaits Relief

The prolonged rainfall shortage has begun affecting soil moisture levels across several districts, raising concerns among farmers cultivating kharif crops.

Agriculture experts said sustained and widespread rainfall over the coming days will be crucial to restore soil moisture, improve reservoir levels and support standing crops.

With favourable weather systems now developing over central India, officials remain hopeful that the rainfall deficit will narrow during the first half of August.

After several days of subdued monsoon activity, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast a fresh spell of heavy rainfall across parts of Madhya Pradesh beginning August 6, as a western disturbance is expected to influence weather conditions over the state.

According to the IMD's Bhopal Meteorological Centre, August 4 and 5 are likely to witness only light rainfall and cloudy conditions across most districts, while widespread heavy showers are expected to resume from Wednesday.

Monsoon Activity Weakens

The state has not witnessed widespread heavy rainfall over the past four days, resulting in a further decline in seasonal rainfall figures.

Meteorological data shows Madhya Pradesh has received 404.2 mm (15.9 inches) of rainfall so far this monsoon season against the normal 482 mm (19 inches) expected by this time. This leaves the state with an overall rainfall deficit of 16 per cent.

On Monday, several districts experienced intermittent showers and overcast skies, while no region reported intense rainfall.

Eastern Region Faces Larger Deficit

Rainfall deficiency remains more pronounced in eastern Madhya Pradesh, where the seasonal shortfall has reached around 20 per cent.

Districts across the Jabalpur, Shahdol, Rewa and Sagar divisions have received below-normal rainfall, with deficits ranging from 1 per cent to 42 per cent. These include Anuppur, Balaghat, Chhatarpur, Chhindwara, Damoh, Dindori, Jabalpur, Katni, Maihar, Mandla, Mauganj, Narsinghpur, Niwari, Pandhurna, Panna, Rewa, Sagar, Satna, Seoni, Shahdol, Sidhi, Singrauli, Tikamgarh and Umaria.

Western MP Also Below Average

Western Madhya Pradesh, including the Bhopal, Indore, Ujjain, Narmadapuram and Gwalior-Chambal divisions, has recorded an average rainfall deficit of around 11 per cent.

Below-normal rainfall has been reported in districts such as Agar Malwa, Alirajpur, Ashoknagar, Betul, Bhopal, Datia, Dhar, Guna, Gwalior, Harda, Jhabua, Morena, Mandsaur, Narmadapuram, Neemuch, Raisen, Rajgarh, Ratlam, Shajapur, Sheopur, Shivpuri, Ujjain and Vidisha.

However, Barwani, Bhind, Burhanpur, Dewas, Indore, Khandwa and Khargone remain among the few districts that have recorded above-normal rainfall this season.

Weather Systems Present, But Weak Impact

The IMD said two cyclonic circulations and an active monsoon trough are currently positioned over the region. However, these systems are not significantly influencing Madhya Pradesh at present, resulting in weak rainfall activity despite favourable atmospheric conditions.

The weather department expects conditions to improve from August 6 as a western disturbance strengthens monsoon circulation over central India.

Rainfall Deficit Increased Despite July Recovery

Officials noted that June ended with a 14 per cent rainfall deficit. Although rainfall activity intensified briefly during early July, the monsoon experienced two prolonged break phases later in the month, limiting overall precipitation.

Even after a stronger system became active during the final week of July, cumulative rainfall remained below normal, with the seasonal deficit widening to 16 per cent by August 3.

Historical August Rainfall Records

August traditionally remains one of the wettest months for Madhya Pradesh.

• Bhopal recorded its wettest August in 2006, receiving nearly 35 inches of rainfall, including around 12 inches in 24 hours on August 14.

• Indore witnessed a record 28 inches of August rainfall in 1944, while its highest 24-hour rainfall of about 10.5 inches was recorded on August 22, 2020.

• Gwalior holds a record of nearly 8.5 inches of rainfall in a single day on August 10, 1927.

• Jabalpur registered an exceptional 44 inches of rainfall during August 1923, including nearly 13 inches in one day.

• Ujjain also experienced record-breaking rainfall in 2006, when around 35 inches of rain was recorded during August.

With August historically delivering some of the season's heaviest rainfall, meteorologists expect the upcoming weather systems to help reduce the current rainfall deficit if they remain active over the state.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast a fresh spell of monsoon activity across Chhattisgarh from August 4, with rainfall expected to intensify over the next three days. The weather department has predicted light to moderate rain in most parts of the state, while warning that some districts could experience heavy rainfall, thunderstorms and lightning.

The renewed monsoon activity comes after a relatively subdued spell of rain in recent days. According to the IMD, Chhattisgarh has received 566.5 mm of rainfall between June 1 and August 2, against the normal average of 594.6 mm, leaving the state with a 5% rainfall deficit, which continues to remain within the 'normal' category.

Heavy Rain Likely in Isolated Areas

Meteorologists said rainfall activity is expected to increase across the state beginning Tuesday as monsoon conditions become favourable once again.

The IMD has forecast light to moderate rainfall in most districts over the next 48 to 72 hours, with isolated locations likely to witness heavy showers accompanied by thunderstorms and lightning. Residents have been advised to remain cautious during periods of intense weather, particularly in lightning-prone areas.

Raipur to Witness Cloudy Weather

For the state capital, the weather department has predicted cloudy skies with intermittent rain and thunderstorms throughout Tuesday.

The maximum temperature in Raipur is expected to remain around 33°C, while the minimum temperature is likely to settle near 26°C.

Several parts of the city received light rainfall on Monday night ahead of the anticipated revival of monsoon activity.

Rainfall Distribution Remains Uneven

Although the overall rainfall deficit in Chhattisgarh stands at only 5%, district-wise data shows considerable variation in precipitation levels.

Narayanpur has recorded the highest rainfall in the state so far with 997.8 mm, about 61% above normal. Other districts reporting significantly above-normal rainfall include Sarangarh-Bilaigarh, Janjgir-Champa, Mahasamund, Gariaband, Balod, Raipur and Baloda Bazar.

On the other hand, Surguja has recorded the highest rainfall deficit at 53% below normal, followed by Jashpur (-48%), Bemetara (-40%), Kanker (-24%), Manendragarh-Chirmiri-Bharatpur (-24%) and Surajpur (-21%).

Most of the remaining districts continue to fall within the normal rainfall category.

Temperature Update

According to the IMD, Rajnandgaon recorded the state's highest maximum temperature at 34.7°C, while Pendra Roadreported the lowest minimum temperature at 23.6°C during the past 24 hours.

The expected increase in rainfall is likely to bring temperatures down in several regions over the coming days.

August Crucial for Kharif Crops

Weather experts say August is a critical month for kharif cultivation, particularly paddy, which is the state's principal crop.

With rainfall nearly returning to normal levels by the end of July, continued precipitation during August is expected to improve soil moisture and benefit agricultural activities across the state.

While the IMD has not issued a separate monthly forecast exclusively for Chhattisgarh, its outlook for central India indicates the possibility of normal to above-normal rainfall in several parts of the region during August.

IMD Climate Outlook

The weather department has indicated that:

• Rainfall across the country during August and the August-September period may remain below the long-term average.

• Parts of central India are likely to receive normal to above-normal rainfall.

• El Niño conditions are showing signs of strengthening.

• The Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD) currently remains neutral but could turn positive during September, which may influence rainfall patterns later in the monsoon season.

Madhya Pradesh has received only 15.4 inches of rainfall so far this monsoon season, falling well short of the seasonal average as rainfall activity remains subdued across large parts of the state. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), 42 districts have recorded below-normal rainfall, while no heavy rainfall alert has been issued for the next two days.

IMD data shows that the state has received around 401.9 mm (15.8 inches) of rainfall against the expected 470.5 mm (18.5 inches) by this stage of the season, leaving Madhya Pradesh with an overall 15% rainfall deficit. Eastern Madhya Pradesh has recorded a 19% shortfall, while western districts remain 11% below normal.

42 Districts Record Rainfall Deficit

The rainfall deficit has affected most parts of the state, including Bhopal, Gwalior, Ujjain, Jabalpur, Rewa, Sagar, Satna, Vidisha, Morena, Guna, Dhar, Ratlam, Ujjain, Raisen, Shivpuri, Neemuch, Mandsaur, Datia, Seoni, Chhindwara, Panna, Sidhi, Singrauli, Mandla, Katni, Narsinghpur, Balaghat and several other districts.

Meanwhile, 13 districts have received above-normal rainfall, including Sehore, Indore, Dewas, Rajgarh, Khandwa, Khargone, Barwani, Burhanpur, Bhind, Umaria, Shahdol, Mauganj and Tikamgarh.

No Heavy Rain Expected for Next Two Days

Meteorologists said the monsoon trough remains active, while two weather systems are influencing conditions over the region. However, neither system is strong enough to trigger widespread heavy rainfall.

As a result, light to moderate showers are expected to continue across different parts of Madhya Pradesh over the next two days, but no heavy rainfall warning has been issued during this period.

The IMD, however, indicated that a fresh western disturbance is likely to become active from August 4, which could strengthen weather systems and bring heavy rainfall to eastern and northern Madhya Pradesh from August 5 onwards.

Sehore Records Highest Rainfall

On Sunday, Sehore reported the most significant rainfall activity in the state, while most other districts witnessed only light showers. The limited rainfall over the past two days has prevented any major improvement in the state's overall monsoon figures.

Current Weather Favourable for Soybean Crop

Agricultural experts believe the current weather pattern is beneficial for soybean cultivation in central Madhya Pradesh.

Senior agricultural scientist S.S. Dhakad from Shajapur said intermittent rainfall across the Indore and Ujjain divisionsis helping soybean crops at their current growth stage. However, crops will require higher moisture levels during grain formation in the coming weeks.

He noted that heavy rainfall in Khandwa, Khargone and Barwani had caused waterlogging in some agricultural fields, resulting in crop damage. At the same time, several paddy-growing regions are still awaiting adequate rainfall to support cultivation.

Rainfall Still Below Seasonal Requirement

Officials noted that June had ended with a 14% rainfall deficit, while July also concluded with rainfall below normal despite brief periods of intense monsoon activity. Although weather systems became active toward the end of July, overall rainfall remained insufficient to eliminate the seasonal shortfall.

With August traditionally being one of Madhya Pradesh's wettest months, meteorologists expect rainfall activity to improve during the first week of the month if the incoming western disturbance strengthens as forecast.

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The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast light to moderate rainfall across several parts of Chhattisgarh on Monday, along with the possibility of heavy rain, thunderstorms and lightning at isolated places. Similar weather conditions are expected to continue over the next two days, prompting authorities to advise residents to remain cautious.

Meanwhile, continuous rainfall has caused significant disruption in Bilaspur district after a bridge on the Bilaspur–Ratanpur–Pendra road collapsed, temporarily affecting connectivity to several districts and neighbouring Madhya Pradesh.

Rainfall to Continue Across State

According to the Meteorological Department, most parts of Chhattisgarh are likely to witness intermittent rain during the next 48 hours. Heavy showers accompanied by thunder and lightning may occur at isolated locations.

Several areas recorded light to moderate rainfall during the past 24 hours, contributing to the ongoing monsoon activity across the state.

Monsoon Deficit Remains Within Normal Range

Despite uneven rainfall in some districts, Chhattisgarh has received only 5 per cent less rainfall than normal between June 1 and August 3, which the weather department has classified as being within the normal range.

Officials said the current monsoon pattern continues to support agricultural activities, although heavy spells in some regions have led to localised flooding and infrastructure damage.

Bridge Collapse Disrupts Key Road Link

Persistent rainfall damaged the Bansajhal bridge on the Bilaspur–Ratanpur–Pendra route after a portion of the structure collapsed.

A passenger bus travelling across the bridge became stranded midway during the incident. Authorities confirmed that all passengers were safely evacuated and no injuries were reported.

The bridge collapse has disrupted direct road connectivity between Bilaspur, Pendra, Gaurela, Amarkantak, Manendragarh, and parts of Jabalpur and Shahdol in Madhya Pradesh, forcing commuters to seek alternate routes.

Flood Situation Monitored

The continuing monsoon has also affected several low-lying areas across the state.

Earlier, BSF camps in Narayanpur were inundated due to floodwaters, forcing security personnel to move onto rooftops before they were safely rescued. Rising water levels have also been reported near the Kunavaram bridge, where water continues to flow over the structure near the confluence of the Sabari and Godavari rivers.

Authorities are monitoring vulnerable areas and have advised residents to avoid crossing flooded roads and bridges.

Raipur Forecast and Temperature

The weather department has predicted a cloudy sky with spells of rain and thunderstorms for Raipur on Monday.

The state capital is expected to record a maximum temperature of around 34°C and a minimum of approximately 26°C.

Across Chhattisgarh, Rajnandgaon recorded the state's highest maximum temperature at 34°C, while Pendra Roadremained the coolest location with a minimum temperature of 22.4°C.

Officials have urged people to remain alert during thunderstorms and avoid taking shelter under trees or near electric poles during lightning activity.

Heavy monsoon rains continued to disrupt normal life across several parts of India on Saturday, with a cloudburst triggering flash floods in Jammu and Kashmir's Kishtwar, landslides claiming six lives in Kerala, and widespread flooding forcing thousands to evacuate in Gujarat.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has also forecast heavy rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms in several districts of Arunachal Pradesh over the coming days.

Cloudburst Floods Houses in Kishtwar

A cloudburst in Kishtwar district of Jammu and Kashmir triggered a flash flood, inundating several houses and disrupting normal life.

As a precautionary measure, authorities ordered the closure of schools in Kishtwar, Doda and Ramban districts while emergency teams monitored the situation and assessed the damage.

Six Killed in Kerala Landslides

In Kerala, relentless rainfall lashed several southern districts, including Kochi, which recorded 361 mm of rainfall within 24 hours.

The heavy downpour triggered landslides in different parts of the state, resulting in the deaths of six people, while authorities continued rescue and relief operations in the affected areas.

Gujarat Faces Severe Flooding

Gujarat also witnessed widespread flooding following intense rainfall in districts including Surat and Morbi.

According to officials, more than 27,000 people were shifted to safer locations, while 53 others were rescued from flood-affected areas.

The highest rainfall in the state was recorded in Ambika taluka of Surat district, where 611 mm of rain fell in the last 24 hours.

Floodwaters entered residential colonies and submerged roads in several parts of Surat and Morbi, severely affecting transportation and daily life.

IMD Forecasts More Rain

The India Meteorological Department has predicted heavy rainfall and thunderstorms in several districts of Arunachal Pradesh from Sunday onward, indicating that wet conditions are likely to persist in parts of northeast India.

Tamil Nadu Offers Special Prayers for Rain

While several states grappled with excessive rainfall, parts of Tamil Nadu continued to face dry conditions and water scarcity.

Around 2,000 members of the Muslim community gathered in Thennur, Tiruchirappalli, to offer Salat al-Istisqa, a special prayer seeking rainfall.

The state has been experiencing prolonged dry weather, with temperatures exceeding 37.5°C in several districts, intensifying concerns over water availability.

The contrasting weather conditions highlight the uneven progress of the southwest monsoon across the country, with some regions struggling with floods while others continue to await adequate rainfall.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast light to moderate rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms and lightning across several parts of Chhattisgarh over the next two days, even as flood-like conditions continue to affect multiple districts following persistent monsoon showers.

Heavy rainfall over the past 24 hours has caused rivers and streams to swell, leading to waterlogging, disrupted connectivity and rescue operations in several parts of the state.

BSF Camps Flooded in Narayanpur

One of the most significant incidents was reported from Narayanpur district, where floodwaters submerged multiple Border Security Force (BSF) camps. Security personnel were forced to take shelter on rooftops and trees before being rescued safely.

The rescue operation was later shared by the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) on its official social media platform, confirming that all personnel were evacuated without casualties.

Flood Rescue in Arang

In Arang, floodwaters entered low-lying areas of Nisda village, trapping six members of a family inside their home.

The State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) launched a rescue operation using motorboats and safely evacuated all six residents. Officials said continuous rainfall had caused rapid water accumulation in the area.

Rainfall Likely to Continue

According to IMD, rainfall activity is expected to persist across the state over the next 48 hours.

While widespread heavy rainfall has not been forecast, isolated locations may experience intense showers accompanied by thunderstorms and lightning, prompting authorities to advise residents to remain alert, particularly in flood-prone and low-lying areas.

Two Weather Systems Active

Meteorologists attributed the ongoing rainfall to two active weather systems.

A low-pressure area over southeast Rajasthan and the monsoon trough extending from Jaisalmer through central India to Manipur continue to influence weather conditions across the region.

Additionally, a trough stretching from southwest Rajasthan to northeast Bihar is supporting moisture inflow, sustaining rainfall across Chhattisgarh.

Monsoon Near Normal So Far

Despite recent heavy showers, the state has recorded only a 3% rainfall deficit this monsoon season, keeping overall precipitation close to normal.

Among the districts, Sarangarh-Bilaigarh has recorded the highest rainfall so far with 769.1 mm, which is 76% above normal, making it the wettest district in the state this season.

Rainfall remains normal in 16 districts, while 11 districts continue to record below-normal precipitation.

IMD Sees Better Prospects for Central India

The IMD's seasonal outlook indicates that India may receive below-normal rainfall during August and Septemberdue to strengthening El Niño conditions.

However, central India, including Chhattisgarh, is expected to receive normal to above-normal rainfall, offering hope for agriculture, particularly the state's paddy crop, for which August is considered the most crucial month.

The weather agency also noted that the Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD) remains neutral but could turn positive in September, potentially supporting monsoon activity later in the season.

Raipur Weather

For Raipur, the IMD has forecast partly cloudy skies with chances of thunderstorms and rain on Sunday. The city is expected to record a maximum temperature of 33°C and a minimum of around 26°C.

Authorities have advised residents living near rivers, streams and low-lying areas to remain cautious as rainfall continues across the state.