The southwest monsoon remained active across Madhya Pradesh on Wednesday, bringing widespread rainfall to more than 40 districts and disrupting normal life in several regions. Flooded roads, overflowing rivers and waterlogged underpasses affected transportation, while teachers in Shajapur were forced to cross a swollen stream to reach their school, highlighting the challenges posed by the continuing downpour.

According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), Dhar recorded the highest rainfall in the state during the last 24 hours with 2.4 inches of rain. Rajgarh and Ratlam received 2.2 inches each, while Shivpuri and Khajuraho recorded 2 inches. Tikamgarh received 1.6 inches, Khargone 1.5 inches, and Ujjain, Bhopal and Datia registered around 1.4 inches of rainfall.

Several other districts, including Rewa, Jabalpur, Sehore, Vidisha, Raisen, Narmadapuram, Indore, Gwalior, Chhindwara, Balaghat, Panna, Mandla, Umaria, Harda, Khandwa, Betul and Sidhi, also witnessed moderate to heavy showers.

Teachers Cross Flooded Stream

One of the most striking scenes emerged from Shajapur district, where teachers of the Government High School in Naulaya crossed a flooded stream to ensure they reached school on time. School staff said the government's e-attendance system makes timely reporting mandatory despite the hazardous conditions.

Local residents said the problem recurs every monsoon due to the absence of a bridge or safe alternative route. Villagers have urged authorities to construct proper infrastructure before a serious accident occurs.

Waterlogging Hits Urban Areas

Continuous rainfall also caused waterlogging in several towns and cities.

In Ratlam, the Sagod Road–Ishwar Nagar railway underpass remained submerged after overnight rain, disrupting the movement of schoolchildren and commuters. Although railway officials attempted to pump out the water, the pumping equipment reportedly malfunctioned, forcing many residents to take longer alternative routes. Some motorists continued to drive through the flooded underpass despite the risks.

In Barwani and Sendhwa, intermittent showers continued throughout the morning, while overflowing rivers and streams cut off access to several rural areas. The Dhanora village stream in Sendhwa was flowing close to bridge level, raising concerns that road connectivity could soon be interrupted if rainfall continues.

Rivers Swell, Crops Face Mixed Impact

The Kulans River in Sehore has witnessed a steady rise in water levels, increasing inflows into Bhopal's Upper Lake, an important source of drinking water for the capital city.

While the rainfall has brought much-needed moisture for Kharif cultivation, agricultural experts cautioned that prolonged waterlogging may damage soybean and other standing crops in low-lying fields.

Farmers in several districts welcomed the rains but expressed concern over excessive accumulation of water if heavy showers continue over the coming days.

Heavy Rain Alert Continues

The IMD has forecast another four days of widespread rainfall across Madhya Pradesh and warned that several districts could receive 4 to 8 inches of rain within 24 hours.

An Orange Alert for extremely heavy rainfall has been issued for Sheopur, Shivpuri, Guna, Ashoknagar, Sagar and Tikamgarh.

Heavy rainfall is also expected in Gwalior, Morena, Bhind, Datia, Niwari, Chhatarpur, Damoh, Katni, Jabalpur, Narsinghpur, Raisen, Narmadapuram, Vidisha, Sehore, Rajgarh, Agar Malwa, Ujjain, Indore, Dhar, Jhabua, Neemuch and Mandsaur.

Meanwhile, light to moderate rainfall is likely to continue in districts including Bhopal, Rewa, Satna, Sidhi, Singrauli, Balaghat, Seoni, Chhindwara, Khandwa, Khargone, Harda, Betul and Shahdol.

Authorities have advised residents to avoid crossing flooded roads and streams, remain alert during thunderstorms and lightning, and follow weather advisories as the active monsoon spell continues across the state.

India's active southwest monsoon continued to unleash widespread disruption on Tuesday, triggering landslides, flash floods and severe waterlogging across several states. Kerala, Maharashtra, Jammu & Kashmir, Gujarat, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh were among the worst-affected regions as heavy rainfall impacted transport, education and daily life.

In Kerala, six workers were injured after a landslide struck the Anakkompoyil–Meppadi tunnel project site in Wayanad district. The injured were shifted to a nearby hospital, while rescue and relief teams remained deployed at the location. Authorities continued to monitor the area amid concerns over further rainfall.

Kerala Forest Minister A.K. Saseendran described the incident as a "man-made landslide", suggesting that excavation activities at the tunnel construction site may have contributed to the collapse. Officials have begun assessing the circumstances surrounding the incident.

Mumbai Receives Nearly 380 mm Rain

Maharashtra witnessed one of its heaviest spells of monsoon rainfall this season, with Mumbai recording nearly 380 mm (15 inches) of rainfall over the past 48 hours. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued an Orange Alert for the city, warning of continued heavy to very heavy rainfall.

As a precautionary measure, authorities declared a holiday for all government and private schools and colleges in Mumbai on Tuesday. Similar closures were announced in Nashik, where persistent rainfall disrupted normal life.

The downpour caused extensive waterlogging in several parts of Mumbai, including Vasai-Virar and Nalasopara, affecting roads, residential societies and commercial establishments. Rising water levels were also reported in the Godavari River in Nashik, while the Bhima River crossed the danger mark near Daund.

The Thane district administration prohibited tourists from visiting waterfalls, forts, rivers, dams and lakes until further orders due to the risk of landslides and flash floods.

Cloudburst Triggers Flooding in Jammu & Kashmir

A cloudburst in the upper reaches of Doda district in Jammu & Kashmir sent mud, rocks and debris rushing into residential areas, disrupting road connectivity and damaging vehicles.

Visuals from Thathri town showed floodwaters carrying large quantities of debris through streets, leaving several vehicles stranded. Local authorities have launched damage assessment operations while monitoring vulnerable areas for further rainfall.

Nearby Kishtwar district also witnessed flooding and mudslides, affecting transportation and normal movement.

Heavy Rain Continues Across States

The active monsoon system continued to bring widespread rainfall across western, central and northern India.

In Gujarat, multiple weather systems remained active simultaneously, resulting in heavy to extremely heavy rainfall across South Gujarat and parts of Saurashtra. Several agricultural fields in Junagadh district were submerged after continuous rain.

Rajasthan also remained under the influence of an active monsoon system, prompting the IMD to issue an Orange Alert for seven districts and Yellow Alerts across most remaining parts of the state.

Madhya Pradesh continued to receive widespread rainfall for the sixth consecutive day. According to weather officials, the state's average rainfall has now reached nearly seven inches, reducing the seasonal rainfall deficit to just one per cent after a delayed start to the monsoon.

In Uttar Pradesh, heavy showers were reported in Chandauli, while Lucknow, Varanasi and several eastern districts experienced intermittent rainfall under cloudy skies.

Weather Alerts Remain in Force

The IMD has warned that active monsoon conditions are likely to persist over several parts of the country over the next two days.

Heavy to very heavy rainfall has been forecast for parts of Himachal Pradesh, Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, Jharkhand, Assam, Meghalaya, West Bengal and Sikkim. Authorities across multiple states have advised residents to avoid flood-prone areas, remain cautious near rivers and landslide-prone zones, and follow official weather advisories.

With rivers rising, transport disrupted and rescue teams on alert in multiple regions, officials continue to closely monitor the evolving weather situation as the monsoon maintains its intense pace across India.

Monsoon activity remained strong across Madhya Pradesh on Tuesday, with rainfall recorded in more than 35 districts over the past 24 hours. Khajuraho and Mandla received the highest rainfall at 4.2 inches each, while continuous showers over the past six days have significantly narrowed the state's seasonal rainfall deficit.

According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the state's average rainfall has now reached nearly 7 inches. Until the end of June, Madhya Pradesh was witnessing a 33% rainfall deficit, but persistent monsoon activity has improved the situation, reducing the shortfall to just 1% below normal.

Heavy Rain Across Several Districts

Widespread rainfall was reported from Satna, Ratlam, Sidhi, Umaria, Panna, Pachmarhi, Rewa, Sheopur, Nowgong, Bhopal, Narsinghpur, Damoh, Tikamgarh, Betul, Narmadapuram, Indore, Seoni, Sagar, Shivpuri, Balaghat, Chhindwara, Raisen, Dhar, Jabalpur, Guna, Ujjain, Khandwa, Khargone, Datia, Maihar, Shajapur, Sehore, Chhatarpur, Burhanpur, Barwani and Pandhurna.

The widespread showers have brought relief from heat and humidity in many parts of the state while improving water availability for agriculture.

Rain Triggers Local Incidents

Heavy rain also disrupted normal life in several districts.

In Sendhwa of Barwani district, plaster from the roof of a Class IX classroom at Sandipani (CM Rise) School collapsed during school hours, leaving two students with minor head injuries. Both were admitted to the local Civil Hospital for treatment and are reported to be out of danger. Authorities have ordered an inquiry into the incident.

Meanwhile, near Jetkaran village on the Khudel Road in Indore district, a road caved in following continuous rainfall, making it difficult for schoolchildren to reach their destination. Villagers formed a human chain to safely help children cross a swollen stream, and a video of the rescue effort has surfaced on social media.

Orange Alert for Extremely Heavy Rain

The IMD has issued an Orange Alert for Guna, Ashok Nagar, Vidisha, Sagar and Chhatarpur, warning of extremely heavy rainfall in isolated areas.

Heavy rainfall is also expected in Barwani, Dhar, Burhanpur, Ratlam, Tikamgarh and Panna, along with thunderstorms and lightning in several districts.

Authorities have advised residents to remain cautious, avoid rivers, overflowing drains and waterlogged roads, and follow weather advisories issued by the administration.

Waterlogging Reported in Several Areas

The continuing rainfall has resulted in waterlogging at multiple locations across the state.

In Panna, rainwater entered the surgical and maternity wards of the district hospital, affecting normal operations. In Raisen district, nearly 60 students studying at a Sanskrit school in Bapauli Dham Ashram were safely evacuated after heavy rainfall caused floodwater to enter the campus. Water also entered parts of the temple complex and cowshed within the ashram premises.

Farmers Welcome Rain, Seek Continued Showers

While the rainfall has caused localized disruptions, farmers in several districts have welcomed the improved monsoon activity. In Dhar, where around 238.8 mm (9.4 inches) of rainfall has been recorded so far this season, farmers said the showers have benefited soybean sowing but emphasized that consistent rainfall over the coming weeks will be essential for healthy Kharif crop growth.

Weather officials expect monsoon activity to continue across several parts of Madhya Pradesh over the next few days, with authorities maintaining close watch on vulnerable low-lying areas and river catchments.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a heavy rainfall alert for parts of central and northern Chhattisgarh, warning of thunderstorms and lightning at isolated locations over the next 24 hours. The advisory comes as the southwest monsoon remains active across the state under the influence of a low-pressure area over southern Jharkhand and adjoining northern Odisha.

According to the weather department, widespread rainfall was recorded across several districts during the past 24 hours, with heavy showers reported in parts of central Chhattisgarh. The low-pressure system is expected to move towards northern Chhattisgarh via northern Odisha, sustaining rainfall activity in many regions through Tuesday.

The IMD has advised residents in vulnerable areas to remain alert, particularly during thunderstorms and lightning. Local authorities have also been asked to monitor weather conditions and take precautionary measures wherever required.

Rainfall Deficit Narrows

Despite the recent spell of rain, Chhattisgarh continues to record below-normal monsoon rainfall this season. Data released by the IMD shows that the state received 213 mm of rainfall between June 1 and July 6, compared to the normal average of 258.3 mm during the same period.

This represents a rainfall deficit of around 18 percent. However, the state continues to remain within the IMD's 'normal' rainfall category, indicating that the shortfall is not yet considered severe.

Rain Activity to Reduce Gradually

Meteorologists expect rainfall intensity to begin weakening from July 8 onward. While scattered showers are likely to continue across the state, the widespread heavy rainfall experienced over the past few days is expected to reduce gradually as the low-pressure system moves away.

Raipur Weather Forecast

For Raipur, the weather department has forecast cloudy skies throughout the day, accompanied by intermittent rainfall, thunderstorms and gusty winds. The city is likely to record a maximum temperature of around 28°C and a minimum of 24°C.

Temperature Across the State

On Monday, Pendra Road recorded the state's highest maximum temperature at 30.8°C, while Rajnandgaon registered the lowest minimum temperature at 21°C, reflecting the cooling effect of persistent rainfall across the region.

Authorities have urged people to avoid taking shelter under trees during thunderstorms, stay away from waterlogged areas, and follow official weather advisories until conditions improve.

Monsoon Intensifies Across India, Triggering Floods, Landslides and Major Disruptions in Several States

 The southwest monsoon has intensified across large parts of India, bringing widespread flooding, landslides, waterlogging and rain-related accidents. While the monsoon has covered almost the entire country, only a few pockets of Rajasthan and Gujarat are yet to receive complete seasonal coverage. Despite that, persistent rainfall has already disrupted normal life in several states.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued fresh warnings for heavy to extremely heavy rainfall across multiple regions, urging residents to remain cautious as the active monsoon phase continues over the weekend.

Gujarat Rescues 19 Stranded in Floodwaters

Gujarat witnessed flood-like conditions after incessant rainfall inundated several low-lying areas.

Near Samadhiyala village in Junagadh district's Mendarda region, four vehicles became stranded after floodwaters submerged the road. Rescue teams successfully evacuated all 19 occupants without any injuries.

Mangrol emerged as one of the worst-hit areas, recording over 22 inches of rainfall within 24 hours, leading to severe flooding and disruption of road connectivity.

Authorities also issued Local Cautionary Signal-III (LC-III) at Veraval Port in Gir Somnath district following forecasts of rough seas and strong winds. Fishermen have been advised not to venture into the Arabian Sea until conditions improve.

Maharashtra Faces Severe Waterlogging

Heavy showers continued to lash several districts of Maharashtra, resulting in extensive urban flooding.

Outside Nalasopara railway station, commuters were seen wading through knee-deep water to reach the platforms as roads became submerged.

In view of the worsening weather, educational institutions in Palghar district have been ordered to remain closed.

The IMD has also issued a Red Alert for Mumbai, forecasting very heavy to extremely heavy rainfall over the next 24 hours.

To strengthen monsoon preparedness, the Maharashtra government has deployed a 36-member State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) team in Nanded district until September.

Madhya Pradesh Records Rain-Related Incidents

Heavy rainfall affected more than 26 districts across Madhya Pradesh, including Bhopal, Indore and Ujjain.

A tragic incident was reported from Ujjain, where a man attempting to cross a flooded culvert on his motorcycle was swept away by the strong current. Search efforts were initiated following the incident.

The IMD has issued a Red Alert for Barwani and Khandwa, warning of extremely heavy rainfall, with some areas expected to receive up to eight inches of rain over the next 24 hours.

Heavy rainfall warnings have also been issued for Indore, Ujjain and several adjoining districts.

Rajasthan Hospital Flooded

In Jaipur, continuous rainfall led to water entering the Minor Operation Theatre (OT) at Sawai Man Singh Hospital.

Hospital authorities immediately shifted patients and medical equipment to safer locations to ensure that treatment services were not affected.

Several parts of the Pink City also witnessed traffic congestion due to waterlogging.

Uttar Pradesh Battles Urban Flooding

The monsoon remained active across Uttar Pradesh, where rainfall was reported in nearly 20 districts.

Kanpur experienced one of its wettest days in recent years as the campus of GSVM Medical College was inundated, leaving parked cars and motorcycles partially submerged.

In Mathura, heavy waterlogging disrupted movement at a railway underpass, while a farmer lost his life after being struck by lightning in Jhansi during a thunderstorm.

The IMD has issued rainfall and thunderstorm alerts for 28 districts across the state.

Landslide Hits Jammu and Kashmir

Continuous rainfall also triggered a landslide in parts of Jammu and Kashmir, disrupting traffic and affecting road connectivity.

Authorities are monitoring vulnerable stretches as rainfall continues across the Himalayan region.

Monsoon Expected to Cover Entire Country Ahead of Schedule

After arriving in India three days later than its usual onset in early June, the southwest monsoon has regained momentum.

Meteorologists now expect the monsoon to cover the entire country around three days ahead of schedule, aided by favourable weather systems over the Bay of Bengal.

Looking ahead, the IMD has forecast heavy rainfall over parts of Chhattisgarh, Odisha, Telangana, Kerala, Goa, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, Sikkim, Assam, Meghalaya and Arunachal Pradesh over the next two days.

Authorities have advised residents in vulnerable areas to avoid unnecessary travel, stay away from flooded roads and rivers, and closely follow official weather advisories as the active monsoon spell is expected to continue through the weekend.

After enduring intense heat and humidity throughout the day, Bilaspur experienced heavy rain accompanied by strong winds and thunderstorms on Monday evening, bringing much-needed relief from soaring temperatures. However, the season's first major downpour exposed the city's inadequate monsoon preparedness, leaving several roads and residential colonies waterlogged while widespread power outages disrupted normal life.

The powerful thunderstorm uprooted trees and damaged electricity infrastructure across the city, resulting in prolonged power cuts in more than half of Bilaspur. Even the VIP zone, which houses the official residences of the District Collector, Commissioner, judges and the city MLA, remained without electricity until nearly 11 p.m.

According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), Bilaspur recorded a maximum temperature of 38°C, nearly 4.9 degrees above normal. Despite Monday's rainfall, the city has received only 16.1 mm of rainfall during June, contributing to persistent heat conditions. Bilaspur also remained Chhattisgarh's hottest city on eight occasions during the past 13 days.

First Heavy Rain Exposes Civic Infrastructure

The Municipal Corporation had earlier claimed that drains and canals had been cleaned three times before the onset of the monsoon. However, the first spell of heavy rain led to severe waterlogging across major roads, intersections and residential areas. Overflowing drains and poor drainage systems caused significant inconvenience to commuters, residents and traders.

Following the incident, the Mayor directed all zonal commissioners to inspect waterlogged areas, submit detailed reports and initiate immediate corrective measures to prevent similar situations during the remainder of the monsoon season.

Strong Winds Uproot Trees, Damage Vehicles

The thunderstorm caused several trees to collapse across the city. A large tree fell near the Collector's residence, damaging a parked car. Fortunately, no injuries were reported. Similar incidents were reported near IG Square and other locations where fallen trees damaged electricity lines and obstructed traffic.

Municipal Corporation teams, assisted by JCB machines, worked late into the night to clear roads, remove fallen trees and restore normal traffic movement.

Power Infrastructure Suffers Major Damage

The storm caused extensive damage to Bilaspur's electricity network. An 11 kV high-voltage power line snapped near the Collector's residence, disrupting electricity supply throughout the VIP area.

The 33 kV main transmission line connected to the Tifra and Mopka substations also suffered a breakdown. Additionally, nine insulators on an 11 kV line between Birkona and Chantidih burst simultaneously, leaving several localities across the Arpa River without electricity until late at night.

A current transformer (CT) failure at the Shanichari substation further disrupted power supply in nearby areas for nearly four hours.

Neighbourhoods including Sarkanda, Mangla, Nehru Nagar, Kududand, Aman Vihar, Gol Bazaar, Masanganj, Hemunagar, Vidyanagar, Dayalband, Vyapar Vihar, Imlibhatha, Tikrapara, Ganesh Nagar and Ayodhya Nagar remained affected by prolonged outages.

More Rain Expected Today

The India Meteorological Department has forecast further rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms and lightning across Bilaspur and neighbouring districts on Tuesday due to active weather systems over the region.

Continuous rainfall across Chhattisgarh has claimed three lives in separate weather-related incidents, even as the India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecast widespread rainfall across the state over the next four days. Two young sisters were killed after the wall of an old mud house collapsed in Bemetara district, while an 18-year-old youth lost his life in a lightning strike in Sukma.

According to the Meteorological Centre, the southwest monsoon is advancing steadily and is expected to cover the remaining parts of Chhattisgarh within the next two to three days. Heavy rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms and lightning is likely in several districts during this period.

The most tragic incident occurred in Raurpur village of Bemetara district, where an old mud wall collapsed following overnight rainfall. The wall fell on two sisters, Vanshika Kosle (12) and Radhika Kosle (9), who were playing in the courtyard of their house on Sunday morning. Both girls sustained severe head injuries and were rushed for medical assistance, but doctors declared them dead. A woman was also injured in the accident.

Family members said the house owner, Chandraprakash Kosle, had recently shifted to a newly constructed home. However, the old mud structure had not been demolished, and continuous rainfall weakened the wall, eventually leading to the fatal collapse.

In another weather-related tragedy, lightning struck a group of young men in Kukanar village of Sukma district. The victims had reportedly taken shelter under a tamarind tree after finishing work in the fields when a thunderstorm developed on Sunday afternoon.

The lightning strike injured five people. Eighteen-year-old Ajay Nag succumbed to his injuries while being taken to hospital, while the remaining four victims are undergoing treatment. Local authorities have appealed to residents to avoid taking shelter beneath trees or remaining in open fields during thunderstorms.

The IMD has forecast light to moderate rainfall across most parts of Chhattisgarh on Monday, with isolated areas likely to witness heavy showers accompanied by thunder and lightning. In Raipur, cloudy skies and intermittent rainfall are expected, with temperatures likely to range between 27°C and 38°C.

The monsoon has already covered more than 18 districts, including Raipur, Durg, Dhamtari, Gariaband, Mahasamund, Balodabazar, Bemetara, Kabirdham, Rajnandgaon, Kanker, Kondagaon, Narayanpur, Bastar, Dantewada, Sukma and Bijapur. The remaining districts, including Bilaspur, Korba, Jashpur, Surguja, Janjgir-Champa, Raigarh and Mungeli, are expected to receive the official monsoon onset within the next 48 hours.

Despite the arrival of monsoon, rainfall across the state continues to remain significantly below normal. Rajnandgaon has recorded one of the sharpest deficits, receiving only 8.3 mm of rainfall against the seasonal normal of 100.3 mm, representing a 92 percent shortfall. Mohla-Manpur-Ambagarh Chowki has reported a 95 percent rainfall deficit, while Balodabazar and Sakti have recorded deficits exceeding 80 percent.

Central Chhattisgarh remains among the worst-affected regions in terms of rainfall deficiency. Raipur has received only 25.3 mm against the normal 90.1 mm, while Durg, Dhamtari and Mahasamund have also recorded substantially below-normal precipitation.

The weather department has advised residents to remain alert during thunderstorms, avoid unsafe structures, and strictly follow lightning safety guidelines as rainfall activity intensifies across the state over the coming days.

Mumbai finally witnessed a spell of meaningful rainfall on Sunday morning as the southwest monsoon showed signs of regaining strength after remaining largely stagnant for nearly two weeks. The showers brought much-needed relief to residents who had been enduring high temperatures and persistent humidity over the past several days.

According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), favourable atmospheric conditions are developing for the monsoon to advance further across parts of western, central and eastern India around June 23. The monsoon had reached South Konkan earlier this month but has remained stalled near Solapur since June 8, slowing its progress into several regions that typically receive seasonal rainfall by this time.

Weather experts attribute Mumbai's latest rainfall to increased cloud formation over the Western Ghats. Moisture-laden winds from the Arabian Sea rise along the mountain range, cool at higher altitudes and form dense rain-bearing clouds. These cloud systems are then pushed towards Mumbai by upper-level winds, resulting in rainfall across the city and adjoining areas.

The revival of monsoon activity comes at a time when large parts of the country continue to experience intense heat. Despite scattered pre-monsoon showers in several states, temperatures crossed the 40-degree Celsius mark in at least eight states on Saturday.

Banda in Uttar Pradesh emerged as the hottest location in the country, recording a maximum temperature of 44.2 degrees Celsius. Delhi also continued to experience hot conditions, with the mercury touching 40 degrees Celsius.

Meteorologists say the temporary slowdown in monsoon advancement had extended the wait for rain in several regions. While the western branch of the monsoon has remained stationary since June 8, the eastern branch has shown limited movement since June 12. This pause affected rainfall distribution across multiple states and raised concerns among farmers awaiting seasonal precipitation for sowing activities.

However, recent satellite observations and weather models indicate a gradual increase in cloud activity over central and eastern India. The IMD has noted that atmospheric conditions are becoming more favourable for monsoon progression, suggesting that the seasonal system could begin advancing once again over the coming days.

Around June 23, the monsoon is expected to move into additional parts of Maharashtra, Telangana, Odisha, Jharkhand, Bihar and Chhattisgarh. Increased rainfall activity is also likely to be observed in adjoining regions as the system strengthens.

For central India, the forecast offers encouraging signs. Between June 21 and June 26, Madhya Pradesh, Vidarbha and Chhattisgarh are expected to receive rainfall under the influence of strengthening monsoon currents and associated weather systems. Cloud cover has already started increasing over many of these areas, pointing to a more active weather phase ahead.

The expected advancement of the monsoon is particularly significant for the agriculture sector, as several regions have been awaiting adequate rainfall to begin large-scale sowing operations. A timely revival could improve soil moisture levels and support the upcoming kharif season.

With weather conditions evolving rapidly, the IMD is continuing to monitor monsoon movement across the country. Further updates are expected in the coming days as the seasonal rainfall system resumes its northward and eastward advance.

Chhattisgarh is expected to witness continued weather activity over the next five days, with the India Meteorological Department forecasting thunderstorms, lightning and light to moderate rainfall across several parts of the state.

According to the weather department, the southwest monsoon is likely to advance into additional regions of Chhattisgarh around June 23, potentially increasing rainfall activity in the coming days. The forecast comes after multiple districts recorded showers and thunderstorm activity during the last 24 hours.

While rain brought some relief to parts of the state, temperatures remained high in several areas. Raipur emerged as the hottest location in Chhattisgarh, recording a maximum temperature of 40.8 degrees Celsius. Pendra Road reported the lowest minimum temperature at 22.8 degrees Celsius.

The changing weather pattern has also led to tragic incidents.

In Sakti district, an 11-year-old schoolgirl lost her life after being struck by lightning on Friday evening. The victim, identified as Deepti Chandra, was a Class 6 student and was reportedly playing outside her house in Anda village when the incident occurred.

Preliminary information suggests that lightning struck the area suddenly during unstable weather conditions. The impact proved fatal, and the child died on the spot. The incident has left the local community and the victim’s family in shock.

The fatality highlights the risks associated with lightning strikes during the pre-monsoon and early monsoon period. Authorities and weather experts regularly advise residents to avoid open spaces and seek shelter during thunderstorms, particularly in rural areas where people often remain outdoors.

The Sakti incident is not the only weather-related tragedy reported recently. In Raigarh district, a woman died after a wall collapsed during heavy rain, while two others sustained injuries. Such incidents have raised concerns about public safety as weather conditions become increasingly unpredictable across the region.

Meteorologists say the current weather activity is being driven by favourable atmospheric conditions supporting thundercloud formation over central and northern parts of the state. As the monsoon progresses further into Chhattisgarh, more districts could experience spells of rain accompanied by gusty winds and lightning.

In Raipur, partly cloudy skies are expected through the day, with the possibility of thunderstorms and rain. The maximum temperature is likely to remain around 40 degrees Celsius, while the minimum temperature may hover near 27 degrees Celsius.

Officials have urged residents to remain cautious during periods of thunderstorm activity. People have been advised to avoid standing under trees, near electric poles, or in open fields when lightning is reported. Farmers, outdoor workers and children have been identified as particularly vulnerable during such weather events.

With the monsoon expected to advance further into the state this week, authorities are closely monitoring weather developments. Further updates are expected as conditions evolve.

The southwest monsoon has remained stuck for 11 days, leaving 19 states awaiting widespread rainfall as multiple weather systems and emerging El Niño signals slow its progress.

The southwest monsoon has lost momentum after making rapid progress across large parts of the country earlier this month, leaving several states waiting for sustained rainfall. Weather officials say a combination of five active atmospheric systems is currently affecting monsoon circulation, resulting in a significant slowdown and widening rainfall deficits across India.

The monsoon, which reached Telangana on June 8, has remained virtually stationary since then. Over the past 11 days, it has failed to advance further into several regions, raising concerns among farmers and state administrations as temperatures continue to remain high in many areas.

According to rainfall data between June 1 and June 18, India has recorded 38% below-normal precipitation. Maharashtra and Gujarat have emerged among the worst-affected states, reporting rainfall deficits of around 78% and 79%, respectively.

Moisture Flow Weakens

Meteorologists attribute the slowdown to a rare situation where multiple weather systems are operating simultaneously and interfering with the normal monsoon pattern.

Moisture-bearing winds from the Arabian Sea have weakened, while cloud bands moving northward from southern India have failed to advance as expected. These disruptions have prevented the monsoon current from strengthening over central and northern parts of the country.

As a result, widespread monsoon rainfall remains absent across several regions despite favourable calendar dates for its arrival.

Heat Persists Despite Showers

Pre-monsoon activity continues in parts of Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Rajasthan, Haryana, Delhi and Chhattisgarh. However, these scattered showers have not been enough to bring lasting relief from the heat.

Several locations across seven states recorded temperatures above 40°C on Wednesday. Banda in Uttar Pradesh emerged as the hottest place in the country at 43.2°C.

Temperatures also crossed 42°C in parts of Odisha and Maharashtra, while districts in Bihar, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh and Madhya Pradesh continued to experience intense daytime heat.

The combination of delayed monsoon rainfall and persistent high temperatures has increased discomfort levels, particularly in rural areas dependent on early-season agricultural activity.

El Niño Concerns Return

Adding to concerns, recent observations from the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) suggest early signs of developing El Niño conditions.

According to the report, the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ), a critical weather belt that helps draw moisture towards the Indian subcontinent, has not shifted northward at its usual pace. The delayed movement has contributed to the sluggish advance of the monsoon.

Satellite imagery indicates active thunderstorm development over eastern India, while cloud cover remains comparatively weak across Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Gujarat and large parts of western India.

Experts caution that if El Niño conditions strengthen, rainfall distribution during the season could become uneven, increasing the likelihood of prolonged dry spells in some regions.

Heavy Rain In North Bengal

While many states await monsoon rains, parts of West Bengal have witnessed the opposite situation.

Heavy rainfall in Darjeeling district led to the collapse of a bridge over the swollen Balason River, disrupting road connectivity between Siliguri and the Mirik subdivision. North Bengal districts including Darjeeling, Kalimpong and Jalpaiguri have received intense rainfall over the past two days following the monsoon's arrival in the state on June 9.

Authorities are monitoring vulnerable areas as rain-related incidents continue to be reported.

Relief Expected Soon

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has indicated that conditions may improve over the next four to five days.

Officials say the current jet stream pattern, which has been restricting monsoon movement, is expected to weaken gradually. This could allow the monsoon to regain strength and advance into Maharashtra, Karnataka, Chhattisgarh and adjoining regions.

Rainfall activity is also expected to increase across eastern India, the Northeast and parts of central India over the next few days.

States Remain On Alert

Several states have already issued weather advisories. Rajasthan has placed more than 30 districts under thunderstorm and rainfall alerts, while Bihar remains under an orange alert for strong winds and rain. Uttarakhand has warned Char Dham pilgrims and residents in vulnerable districts to remain cautious amid forecasts of fresh showers.

In Madhya Pradesh, where rainfall remains 39% below normal, the monsoon is now expected to arrive around June 25, nearly 10 days later than its usual schedule.

With the sowing season approaching in many regions, the progress of the monsoon over the coming week will be closely watched by farmers, policymakers and weather experts alike.

Despite the current slowdown, meteorologists remain optimistic that conditions could become favorable for the monsoon to advance again within the next 4–5 days, with progress likely resuming between June 21 and June 23.

Third Consecutive Year of June Slowdown

The western branch of the monsoon has faced interruptions in recent years as well. In 2024, its advance slowed for about 8–9 days during the second week of June. In 2025, it remained nearly stationary along the Maharashtra coast for almost three weeks.

Weather experts note that such pauses do not necessarily indicate a weak monsoon season. Instead, rainfall often becomes concentrated into fewer days, resulting in more intense downpours when weather systems become active.

Why Has the Monsoon Stalled?

Meteorologists attribute the slowdown primarily to the delayed activation of the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ), a crucial weather system that normally shifts northward by mid-June and helps draw moisture-laden winds toward India.

Satellite observations from the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) also suggest that El Niño conditions are beginning to develop, which can lead to prolonged dry spells and uneven rainfall distribution across the country.

While thunderstorm activity remains active over eastern India, cloud cover has been relatively weak across Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Maharashtra, and parts of western India, slowing the monsoon's progress.

Monsoon Progress So Far

After arriving in Kerala on June 4, the southwest monsoon advanced rapidly through 19 states within 14 days. However, it has remained stalled near Bhadrachalam in Telangana for the past week.

As a result, monsoon rains have been delayed in several regions, including Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Maharashtra, and parts of central India, where farmers are eagerly awaiting widespread rainfall for sowing activities.

Pre-Monsoon Activity Continues

Even as the monsoon remains stalled, pre-monsoon showers have been reported in several states, including:

• Madhya Pradesh
• Uttar Pradesh
• Bihar
• Rajasthan
• Himachal Pradesh
• Chhattisgarh

Heavy rainfall affected parts of Bihar on Wednesday, while strong winds caused localized damage in Rajasthan, including uprooted trees and collapsed structures in Jaipur and Udaipur.

Heatwave Conditions Persist

The delayed monsoon has allowed heatwave conditions to continue across large parts of the country. Temperatures exceeded 40°C in several cities across:

• Uttar Pradesh
• Madhya Pradesh
• Bihar
• Jharkhand
• Odisha
• Telangana
• Andhra Pradesh
• Maharashtra

The highest temperature recorded in the country was 45°C in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh.

Rainfall Forecast

June 19

• Rain likely over Bihar, Jharkhand, Odisha, West Bengal and Sikkim.
• Heavy rainfall expected in parts of Assam, Meghalaya, Arunachal Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and Karnataka.
• Thunderstorms and gusty winds likely in Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh.

June 20

• Heavy rain expected in Sikkim, North Bengal, Assam and Meghalaya.
• Thunderstorms with strong winds likely in Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh.
• Rainfall activity may continue in Maharashtra, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Puducherry.

When Will the Monsoon Advance Again?

According to IMD, the current pause is linked to upper-atmospheric jet stream patterns, which are influencing the movement of monsoon clouds. Once these fast-moving winds weaken, monsoon currents are expected to strengthen and advance into Maharashtra, Karnataka, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, and adjoining regions.

Weather experts expect the next significant phase of monsoon advancement to begin by the third week of June, bringing relief from intense heat and improving conditions for agriculture across much of India.

Unseasonal rain and hailstorms disrupt Nautapa period as IMD issues alerts for 47 districts across the state

A powerful midnight storm accompanied by gusty winds swept through Bhopal and several other districts of Madhya Pradesh late Saturday, bringing much-needed relief from scorching temperatures but also causing widespread disruption. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued alerts for 47 districts, with eight districts on orange alert for heavy rain and hailstorms.

Midnight Winds Rattle Capital

The storm picked up intensity around 12:30 am and continued till 3 am, with wind speeds touching 40-60 kilometres per hour. Several localities in Bhopal faced power cuts lasting hours. By Sunday morning, parts of the city experienced light drizzles.

Local residents reported uprooted trees and damaged structures. In one instance, a television dish antenna came crashing down from a rooftop. No casualties have been reported from the capital so far.

 Orange Alert for Eight Districts

According to IMD Bhopal officials, Devas, Sehore, Rajgarh, Agar-Malwa, Chhatarpur, Katni, Maihar, Umarkhed, and Shahdol are on orange alert. These districts may witness heavy rainfall accompanied by hailstorms.

The remaining 47 districts, including Indore, Gwalior, Jabalpur and Ujjain, are under yellow alert with warnings of thunderstorms, lightning, and light to moderate rain.

Lightning Strike Turns Fatal

In a tragic incident reported from Amarkantak, two teenagers died after being struck by lightning on Saturday evening. The deceased have been identified as 18-year-old Harsh Tandia and 17-year-old Aarti Verma. Another 17-year-old girl, Radha, sustained injuries.

The three were returning home after attending a community feast following the conclusion of a religious discourse when the weather suddenly turned severe. Officials confirmed that the lightning struck around 4 pm during intense thunderstorm activity in the area.

 Temperature Plunges Across State

The unseasonal weather has brought down maximum temperatures significantly. Naugaon in Chhatarpur district, which recorded 46.6 degrees Celsius on May 27, saw mercury plummet to 35.5 degrees on Saturday — a drop of over 11 degrees.

Data from the weather department shows that 20 cities recorded maximum temperatures below 40 degrees on Saturday. Among major cities, Gwalior touched 35.6 degrees, Jabalpur 38.2, Indore 38.8, Ujjain 39, while Bhopal settled at 40 degrees.

Narsinghpur remained the hottest location in the state at 43.2 degrees.

Unusual Weather During Nautapa

The ongoing Nautapa period — traditionally associated with intense heat — has this year brought unseasonal rain and hailstorms instead of heatwave conditions. The nine-day period began on May 25.

Weather records indicate that Bhopal has witnessed rainfall during Nautapa in seven of the past fourteen years. The trend of pre-monsoon showers in May appears to be strengthening, with all five major cities of the state recording May rainfall in most years between 2014 and 2023.

Forecast for Coming Days

Officials indicate that the weather system remains active. Sunday is expected to see continued thunderstorm activity across most districts. From May 31 onwards, no heatwave warnings have been issued, suggesting that the spell of unseasonal rain may persist.

Residents in affected districts have been advised to stay indoors during thunderstorm activity and avoid venturing out in open areas.