Delhi woke up to light rain on Sunday morning, bringing relief from the recent heat and humid conditions across several parts of the national capital. The showers also brought down temperatures and gave residents a relatively pleasant start to the day. 

Light rain was reported in isolated parts of Delhi during the morning. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the Safdarjung area recorded mist along with a temperature of 27°C at 8 am. The Ridge area also witnessed light rain accompanied by a thunderstorm and mist, with the temperature recorded at 26°C around 7 am. 

The change in weather offered some relief to residents after warm and humid conditions in the capital. People out for morning walks at Kartavya Path were seen making the most of the cooler conditions as light showers continued in parts of the city. 

Over the previous 24 hours, Delhi had received very light to light rainfall at many places, while moderate rain was recorded at isolated locations along with thunderstorms and lightning. The minimum temperature across the city remained between 23°C and 26°C, while maximum temperatures settled around 34°C to 35°C. 

The latest spell of rain comes amid continuing monsoon activity over parts of northern India. Weather conditions in the capital have remained changeable, with periods of rainfall bringing temporary relief from high temperatures and humidity.

The light showers are also expected to influence morning commuting conditions in some areas. While the rainfall reported so far has been light in several parts of Delhi, residents travelling during periods of rain may encounter wet roads and reduced visibility in places where showers are accompanied by mist or thunderstorms.

The weather department's observations indicate that Delhi has continued to experience rainfall activity along with fluctuations in temperature. The combination of rain, cloud cover and thunderstorms has helped keep temperatures below the levels generally associated with hotter summer conditions.

For Delhi residents, Sunday's showers provided a welcome break from the heat and humidity. The national capital is likely to continue seeing variable weather conditions as monsoon activity persists over the region.

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.

Typhoon Dolphin has brought intense rainfall, flooding and widespread disruption to parts of eastern China, while its influence is also being felt thousands of kilometres away in India. Although the storm is not expected to make landfall in India, its large-scale atmospheric circulation could temporarily affect the development of rain-bearing systems over the Bay of Bengal.

The typhoon made landfall in China on Sunday evening, August 9, and continued to bring heavy rain to several provinces on Monday. Authorities warned of further flooding and landslide risks as the system moved northward.

For India, however, the concern is different. Meteorologists are watching whether Dolphin's interaction with the broader Asian atmospheric circulation could reduce the moisture available over the Bay of Bengal, potentially weakening monsoon systems over central, eastern and northern parts of the country.

Typhoon Hits China

Typhoon Dolphin made its first landfall near Yuhuan in Zhejiang province at around 5:30 pm local time on Sunday before making another landfall near Wenzhou roughly an hour later, according to Chinese meteorological authorities.

The storm weakened after moving inland but continued to produce torrential rainfall across several regions, including Zhejiang, Jiangsu, Anhui, Hubei, Henan and Shandong. Shanghai was also badly affected, with flooding reported in several areas.

The extreme weather disrupted transportation across the region. Shanghai's two major passenger airports cancelled hundreds of flights, while some railway and public transport services were temporarily suspended.

Authorities had taken precautionary measures before the storm arrived. More than one million people were evacuated from parts of Shanghai, while large-scale evacuations were also carried out in Wenzhou and Taizhou.

Several tourist attractions and public facilities were closed as authorities warned residents to avoid unnecessary outdoor movement.

Wider Regional Impact

The effects of Dolphin have extended beyond mainland China. Hong Kong experienced unusually high temperatures as warm air associated with the storm moved across the region.

Parts of Japan's Okinawa region also experienced strong winds, while the Philippines reported a landslide in Baguio that resulted in people being rescued and others reported missing.

These developments highlight how powerful tropical systems can influence weather patterns well beyond their immediate path.

Why India Is Watching Dolphin

India is not directly in the path of Typhoon Dolphin. The concern is instead linked to the storm's influence on the wider atmospheric circulation across Asia.

Large tropical cyclones can draw substantial amounts of heat and moisture towards their circulation. When such a system becomes active in the western Pacific, it can alter the distribution of moisture and atmospheric energy across the region.

For India's monsoon, this matters because the Bay of Bengal is an important source of moisture for low-pressure areas and depressions that move inland and produce widespread rainfall.

If the atmospheric conditions over the Bay of Bengal become less favourable for the formation of these systems, rainfall activity over parts of central, eastern and northern India could temporarily weaken.

Monsoon Moisture Under Pressure

Weather experts have described the situation as a competition for atmospheric moisture and energy.

Typhoon Dolphin is concentrating significant moisture around its circulation. At the same time, changes in upper-level winds associated with the storm could influence the position and behaviour of the monsoon trough.

The result could be a temporary disruption in the sequence of low-pressure systems normally responsible for transporting moisture from the Bay of Bengal into the Indian subcontinent.

However, this does not mean that the Indian monsoon is disappearing or that Dolphin has directly "stolen" India's rainfall.

The monsoon is controlled by a complex interaction involving ocean temperatures, atmospheric circulation, pressure patterns, the monsoon trough and weather systems developing across the Indian Ocean and Bay of Bengal.

What Happens Next?

The key question is whether another low-pressure system will develop over the Bay of Bengal in the coming days.

If favourable conditions return, rainfall activity could strengthen again across parts of India. If the broader atmospheric pattern remains disturbed, some regions could experience a temporary reduction in rainfall.

The impact of Typhoon Dolphin therefore needs to be viewed as part of a much larger Asian weather pattern rather than as a direct cause of India's monsoon behaviour.

For now, the storm's immediate threat remains concentrated in China, where authorities continue to monitor flooding and landslide risks. In India, weather agencies and meteorologists will be watching the Bay of Bengal closely for signs of the next monsoon system.

Monsoon Immunity: 5 Natural Hacks to Keep Infections at Bay This Season

As the southwest monsoon continues to lash 15 states across India, bringing relief from the summer heat but also a sharp rise in seasonal infections, health experts are urging citizens to adopt natural immunity boosters. With the India Meteorological Department (IMD) predicting more heavy rainfall in the coming days, strengthening the body’s natural defence system has become a top priority for public health.

The Kadha That Fights It All

One of the most effective monsoon immunity boosters is the traditional kadha. Ayurveda experts recommend boiling ginger, tulsi (holy basil), black pepper, cloves, and cinnamon together. A single cup of this herbal decoction daily is considered one of the strongest natural defences against monsoon illness. "Ginger fights infections, and tulsi boosts immunity. Together they protect your respiratory system from the colds and coughs that the monsoon reliably brings every year," explains a health expert from Tata 1mg.

Golden Milk: Your Nighttime Shield

A glass of warm turmeric milk every night has been a staple in Indian households for generations. Nutritionists confirm that it fights inflammation, reduces infection risk, and keeps the immune system strong throughout the wet monsoon season. For maximum absorption, experts recommend adding a pinch of black pepper, which increases curcumin absorption by up to 2000 percent.

Amla: The Vitamin C Powerhouse

One of the richest sources of vitamin C, amla (Indian gooseberry) deserves a special place in your monsoon diet. Eating fresh amla or drinking amla juice daily significantly strengthens immunity and protects against seasonal infections that spread fast during the rains. Consultant Dietitian Kanika Malhotra explains that starting the day with amla strengthens immunity and helps prevent diseases.

Garlic: Nature's Antibiotic

Raw garlic contains allicin, a compound that fights bacteria and viruses. Adding it to your dal or eating a small raw clove daily is one of the simplest ways to keep monsoon infections away.

Holistic Approach to Wellness

Health professionals advise eating loads of seasonal fruits and vegetables rich in vitamin C to prevent infections. Probiotics present in curd and fermented foods build immune response. The 'Ritu Suraksha-2026' programme, launched under the AYUSH department in Kerala, aims to prevent illnesses during the monsoon through traditional treatments.

A balanced diet, safe drinking water, adequate sleep, regular physical activity and good personal hygiene remain the foundation of good health during the monsoon. As the monsoon continues to unfold across the country, incorporating these natural health hacks into daily life could make a significant difference in staying healthy and infection-free throughout the rainy season.

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.

Heavy rain continued to batter several parts of India on Thursday, triggering landslides, river erosion and disruptions to road and pilgrimage routes, while the weather department issued an orange alert for rain in 16 states, including Rajasthan. Uttarakhand was among the worst-affected states in the morning, with landslides reported from Rudraprayag, Chamoli and Uttarkashi districts. A landslide near Gaurikund forced authorities to close the Kedarnath trekking route, and pilgrims were stopped from proceeding further as a precaution. In Rudraprayag, debris near Silli disrupted traffic on the highway for some time. In another incident, boulders rolled down a hillside near a petrol pump and crushed a car. Haridwar also witnessed a close call when a Kanwar pilgrim was swept away by the strong current of the Ganga while collecting holy water. An SDRF team deployed at the ghat responded quickly and rescued the man before he was carried further downstream.

The situation remained worrying in parts of Uttar Pradesh, where swollen rivers and erosion have started affecting villages. In Ballia, erosion along the Saryu river intensified as water entered residential areas. More than 100 families have reportedly left their homes and shifted to safer places. Two houses were swept into the river, while the land underneath several other homes has already been washed away, leaving residents worried about further damage. A similar situation was reported from Gonda, where the falling water level of the Ghaghra river has led to increased erosion along its banks. Several bighas of land and trees have been swallowed by the river. With the monsoon remaining active, people living close to riverbanks are facing an uncertain situation as changing water levels continue to weaken the surrounding land. Authorities are keeping watch on vulnerable areas, while residents in affected villages are moving belongings and family members away from locations considered unsafe.

Heavy rainfall has also caused disruption in Jammu and Kashmir. In Rajouri, a wall of a government primary school building collapsed following intense rain. No casualty was mentioned in the initial information. Meanwhile, a landslide near Akchamal blocked the Kargil-Leh National Highway, forcing authorities to stop vehicular movement on the route. The developments in Jammu and Kashmir and Uttarakhand come as widespread rainfall continues across several regions of the country. The orange alert covering 16 states indicates the possibility of spells of heavy to very heavy rain in vulnerable areas. For the moment, the biggest concern remains mountainous regions where saturated slopes can trigger sudden landslides and falling rocks, while riverbank areas in the plains are dealing with flooding and erosion. The closure of the Kedarnath route has also directly affected pilgrims, who will have to wait for conditions to improve and the track to be declared safe before their journey resumes. With rainfall continuing, travellers and residents in affected areas are being advised to remain cautious, particularly around landslide-prone roads, swollen rivers and fast-flowing streams.

Heavy monsoon rainfall continued to lash large parts of India on Wednesday, prompting the India Meteorological Department (IMD) to issue red and orange alerts across several states. Flooding, landslides, transport disruptions and industrial shutdowns have been reported as multiple weather systems intensified rainfall across the country.

The IMD said a low-pressure area over the Bay of Bengal is moving across Odisha, Jharkhand and Chhattisgarh, while the monsoon trough remains active. The weather office has forecast above-normal rainfall over Northwest and Central India for the next four to five days and heavy rainfall across Eastern India for up to six days, increasing the risk of flooding and landslides.

Red Alert for Central India

The IMD has issued a red alert for parts of Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh, warning of extremely heavy rainfall in several districts. In Madhya Pradesh, districts including Balaghat, Seoni, Chhindwara, Narmadapuram and Raisen are likely to receive intense rainfall over the next 24 hours.

Heavy rain warnings have also been issued for Dewas, Sehore, Harda, Betul, Pandhurna, Sagar, Narsinghpur, Damoh, Jabalpur and Chhatarpur, while moderate to heavy showers are expected in more than 40 districts, including Bhopal, Indore, Ujjain, Gwalior, Rewa and Shahdol.

The Meteorological Department has said the current spell of heavy rain is likely to continue in the state until August 1.

Gujarat Flooding Hits Tata Motors Plant

Continuous rainfall and flooding in Gujarat have disrupted operations at Tata Motors' Sanand manufacturing plant and several nearby supplier units.

The company said production of the Tiago, Tigor, Nexon and Sierra models has been temporarily affected after floodwaters entered the industrial area. Restoration work is underway, and operations are expected to resume once conditions improve. The temporary disruption may impact vehicle deliveries.

Maruti Suzuki, however, said its manufacturing facility at Hansalpur-Becharaji has not been affected.

Char Dham Yatra Suspended

In Uttarakhand, landslides triggered by heavy rainfall have blocked several pilgrimage routes. As a precaution, authorities have suspended the Char Dham Yatra for two days.

Heavy rain alerts have been issued for eight districts, with forecasts of thunderstorms, lightning and intense rainfall. Schools and Anganwadi centres in Champawat, Bageshwar and Tehri have also been closed.

The IMD has warned that adverse weather conditions are expected to persist across the hill state until August 5.

Rain Causes Urban Flooding

Heavy rainfall also affected several cities across northern India.

In Delhi, waterlogging in several markets and major roads led to long traffic jams and disrupted daily commuting.

In Punjab and Chandigarh, orange and yellow alerts remain in force after overnight rain brought temperatures down by nearly 3 degrees Celsius.

Flood Situation in Assam

Flood conditions remain critical in Assam, where the death toll has risen to 75.

According to state authorities, over 3.32 lakh people across seven districts continue to be affected, while more than 45,000 hectares of agricultural land remain submerged.

Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced financial assistance for affected families, including compensation for those who lost relatives in the floods and support for displaced students.

Rain Alerts Across States

The IMD has also issued rainfall alerts for several other states:

• Orange Alert: Jammu & Kashmir, Ladakh, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Gujarat, East Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Central Maharashtra and Karnataka.

• Yellow Alert: Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Delhi, Haryana, Punjab, Konkan-Goa, Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram and Tripura.

In Rajasthan, rain alerts have been issued for 22 districts, while Bihar remains under a yellow alert for thunderstorms and lightning in 13 districts. Parts of Meerut (Uttar Pradesh), Khagaria (Bihar) and Gariaband (Chhattisgarh) also reported waterlogging and local flooding.

Authorities have advised residents in flood-prone and landslide-prone areas to remain alert, avoid unnecessary travel and follow local administration advisories until weather conditions improve.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a heavy rainfall alert for eight districts of Madhya Pradesh as two active monsoon systems, including the monsoon trough and a deep depression originating over the Bay of Bengal, continue to influence weather conditions across the state. Despite widespread rainfall in recent weeks, Madhya Pradesh remains 17 per cent below its seasonal average, with 48 districts still recording deficient rainfall.

According to the latest weather update, Satna, Katni, Umaria, Mandla, Dindori, Seoni, Raisen and Betul are expected to receive heavy rainfall over the next 24 hours. Meteorologists estimate that these districts could receive more than four inches of rain during this period.

Light showers were recorded in Bhopal on Tuesday morning, while intermittent rainfall and thunderstorms are forecast across several other districts, including Sehore, Rajgarh, Vidisha, Indore, Dhar, Khargone, Ujjain, Ratlam, Gwalior, Morena, Jabalpur, Rewa, Shahdol, Sagar and Chhindwara.

Rainfall Deficit Persists

Despite recent spells of rain, the overall monsoon performance in Madhya Pradesh continues to lag behind normal levels. The IMD said the state has received an average of 336.7 mm (13.2 inches) of rainfall so far this season against the normal 407 mm (16 inches), leaving a deficit of nearly 70 mm, or 17 per cent.

The eastern region of the state remains more affected, with rainfall 20 per cent below normal, while western Madhya Pradesh is experiencing a 15 per cent deficit.

Only eight districts—Bhopal, Bhind, Burhanpur, Dewas, Indore, Mandsaur, Rajgarh and Sehore—have received above-normal rainfall this season. Dewas has recorded the highest surplus at nearly 29 per cent.

Meanwhile, districts including Anuppur, Balaghat, Chhatarpur, Dindori, Jabalpur, Katni, Mandla, Narsinghpur, Panna, Rewa, Satna, Seoni, Umaria, Betul, Dhar, Gwalior, Morena, Narmadapuram, Raisen, Ratlam, Shivpuri, Ujjain and Vidisha continue to remain below their seasonal averages.

Fresh Weather System Active

Weather experts attribute the latest spell of rainfall to a deep depression over the Bay of Bengal that has approached the West Bengal–north Odisha coast. The system is expected to move westward through Jharkhand and Chhattisgarh before entering central India.

Meteorologist Shailendra Kumar Nayak said the interaction between this system and the active monsoon trough is likely to trigger widespread heavy to very heavy rainfall across Madhya Pradesh between July 28 and July 30.

Authorities have advised residents in vulnerable districts to remain alert, particularly in low-lying areas and regions prone to waterlogging or flash floods.

July Yet to Match Normal Trend

Weather officials noted that although rainfall increased during the early part of July after a weak June, the absence of widespread heavy rain over the past several days has once again pushed seasonal figures into deficit.

Historically, July contributes nearly 40 per cent of Madhya Pradesh’s annual monsoon rainfall. Cities such as Bhopal normally receive around 14 inches of rain during the month, while Jabalpur averages more than 17 inches.

Historical Rainfall Records

Bhopal recorded its highest July rainfall in 1986, when nearly 41 inches of rain fell during the month. The city's highest single-day rainfall remains 11 inches, recorded on July 22, 1973.

Indore registered its highest 24-hour rainfall of 11.5 inches on July 27, 1913, while Jabalpur holds the state's highest monthly rainfall record with nearly 45 inches in July 1930. Gwalior, comparatively drier than other major cities, has an average July rainfall of around nine inches.

With fresh monsoon activity expected over the next three days, officials hope the upcoming rainfall will significantly reduce the state's rainfall deficit while cautioning citizens to stay updated on weather advisories issued by local authorities.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast an active spell of monsoon across Chhattisgarh, with heavy to very heavy rainfall and thunderstorms likely over several parts of the state over the next four days. The weather activity is being driven by a Depression over the northwest Bay of Bengal, which is expected to intensify into a Deep Depression before crossing the Odisha-West Bengal coast on July 27.

According to the IMD's Special Press Release issued on Sunday, light to moderate rainfall is expected at most places across Chhattisgarh on July 27, while heavy to very heavy rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms and lightning is likely at isolated locations.

Active Monsoon to Continue

The IMD said the Depression over the Bay of Bengal, along with the active monsoon trough and an east-west shear zone across central India, will keep monsoon conditions active over Chhattisgarh for at least the next four days.

Heavy rainfall is expected to continue on July 28, while isolated heavy rain and thunderstorms are likely from July 29 to August 1.

Rainfall and Temperature

During the past 24 hours, light to moderate rainfall occurred at a few places, with heavy to very heavy rain at isolated locations. Seasonal rainfall across Chhattisgarh currently remains 20% below normal, though rainfall activity is expected to improve during the coming days.

The highest maximum temperature recorded in the state was 33°C in Raipur, while the lowest minimum temperature was 22.6°C at Pendra Road.

The IMD has also forecast a 2–4°C fall in maximum temperatures over the next 24 hours, after which temperatures are likely to remain stable.

Raipur Weather

For Raipur, the weather office has forecast a generally cloudy sky with intermittent rain and thundershowers. The city's maximum and minimum temperatures are expected to hover around 29°C and 24°C, respectively.

Public Advisory

The IMD has advised residents to remain indoors during thunderstorms, avoid sheltering under trees, stay away from electric poles and metal structures, and unplug electrical appliances during lightning.

Farmers have been advised to shift harvested crops to safe storage, protect horticultural crops with anti-hail nets where possible, and monitor official weather updates before carrying out agricultural activities.

No flash flood risk has been indicated for the next 24 hours, though authorities have urged people to remain alert as rainfall intensity may increase with the advancing weather system.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast widespread rainfall and thunderstorms across Madhya Pradesh on Monday, July 27, as a Depression over the northwest Bay of Bengal is expected to intensify into a Deep Depression before crossing the Odisha-West Bengal coast.

According to the IMD, rain activity is likely to intensify over the state due to the active monsoon trough and associated weather systems. Thunderstorms accompanied by lightning and gusty winds of 30-40 kmph are likely at isolated places across more than 50 districts.

Rainfall Distribution

The weather office has predicted:

• Rain at many places in Anuppur, Shahdol, Umaria, Dindori, Katni, Jabalpur, Chhindwara, Seoni, Mandla, Balaghat and Pandhurna.

• Rain at a few places in Raisen, Narmadapuram, Betul, Harda, Singrauli, Sidhi, Rewa, Mauganj, Satna, Narsinghpur, Panna, Damoh, Sagar, Chhatarpur, Tikamgarh, Niwari and Maihar.

• Rain at isolated places in Bhopal, Vidisha, Sehore, Rajgarh, Indore, Ujjain, Dewas, Dhar, Ratlam, Mandsaur, Neemuch, Gwalior, Morena, Bhind, Datia, Shivpuri, Guna, Ashoknagar, Khargone, Khandwa, Burhanpur, Barwani, Alirajpur and Jhabua.

Thunderstorm Warning

The IMD has issued a warning for lightning, thunderstorms and gusty winds (30–40 kmph) for districts including Bhopal, Indore, Ujjain, Gwalior, Jabalpur, Shahdol, Rewa, Sehore, Raisen, Dewas, Ratlam, Dhar, Mandsaur, Neemuch, Chhindwara, Balaghat, Panna, Sagar and Tikamgarh.

Residents have been advised to avoid open areas during thunderstorms, stay away from trees and electric poles, unplug electrical appliances during lightning, and avoid unnecessary travel during severe weather.

Bhopal Forecast

For Bhopal, the IMD has forecast a generally cloudy sky with thunderstorms, lightning and rainfall during the day. The city is expected to record a maximum temperature of 29°C and a minimum temperature of 23°C.

Farm Advisory

The IMD has advised farmers to postpone irrigation, fertilizer application and pesticide spraying during rainfall. Farmers have also been asked to ensure proper drainage in fields, secure harvested produce and machinery, and keep livestock in protected shelters.

The weather office added that temperatures over eastern Madhya Pradesh are expected to decline by 2–3°C over the next three days as rainfall activity increases.

The southwest monsoon continues to remain active across Madhya Pradesh, prompting the India Meteorological Department (IMD) to issue a heavy rainfall alert for 35 districts on Saturday. The weather department has also warned that several parts of the state may witness heavy to very heavy rainfall over the next four days, while another 20 districts are likely to receive light to moderate showers.

According to IMD, Madhya Pradesh has so far recorded an average of 330.4 mm (around 13 inches) of rainfall this monsoon season, which is approximately 35% of the state's normal seasonal rainfall quota. Although rainfall remains below the seasonal average, the deficit has narrowed significantly following widespread showers over the past few days.

Moisture From Arabian Sea and Bay of Bengal Strengthens Monsoon

Meteorologists said the southwest monsoon is fully active across the state due to a combination of favorable weather systems. Continuous moisture inflow from both the Arabian Sea and the Bay of Bengal, along with the monsoon trough passing through Madhya Pradesh, has increased humidity levels to 80–95% in many regions.

According to weather experts, these conditions are creating an ideal environment for widespread rainfall, with isolated areas likely to experience intense downpours over the coming days.

35 Districts Under Heavy Rain Alert

The IMD has issued a heavy rainfall alert for the following districts:

• Bhopal
• Raisen
• Sehore
• Rajgarh
• Vidisha
• Indore
• Jhabua
• Alirajpur
• Dhar
• Burhanpur
• Barwani
• Khandwa
• Khargone
• Ujjain
• Neemuch
• Mandsaur
• Ratlam
• Agar Malwa
• Shajapur
• Dewas
• Narmadapuram
• Betul
• Harda
• Gwalior
• Sheopur
• Morena
• Bhind
• Datia
• Shivpuri
• Guna
• Ashoknagar
• Jabalpur
• Katni
• Narsinghpur
• Chhindwara

Meanwhile, districts including Pandhurna, Seoni, Balaghat, Mandla, Dindori, Rewa, Satna, Sidhi, Singrauli, Mauganj, Maihar, Shahdol, Umaria, Anuppur, Sagar, Panna, Damoh, Chhatarpur, Tikamgarh, and Niwari are expected to receive light to moderate rainfall, with isolated spells of heavy showers.

Rainfall Deficit Narrows After Four Days of Showers

The recent spell of widespread rainfall has improved the state's seasonal rainfall statistics. Until July 20, Madhya Pradesh was facing a rainfall deficit of 17%, but continuous showers over the past four days have reduced the deficit to 11%.

At present, the state has recorded 330.4 mm of rainfall against the normal average of 370.9 mm expected by this time of the monsoon season.

Meteorologists say continued rainfall over the next few days could further reduce the deficit if the current weather pattern persists.

Dewas Leads in Seasonal Rainfall

Rainfall has been above normal in 14 districts, including Dewas, Bhopal, Indore, Sehore, Rajgarh, Harda, Burhanpur, Neemuch, Agar Malwa, Bhind, and Mandsaur.

Among them, Dewas has recorded the highest rainfall so far, receiving nearly 19.6 inches this season. However, despite recent improvements, 41 districts continue to report below-normal rainfall.

Flooding and Waterlogging Risk Remains High

The IMD has cautioned that continuous rainfall may result in waterlogging in low-lying areas, rising water levels in rivers and streams, and localized flood-like situations.

Residents have been advised to:

• Avoid unnecessary travel during heavy rainfall.
• Stay away from overflowing rivers and drains.
• Follow weather advisories issued by local authorities.
• Drive cautiously on waterlogged roads.
• Keep emergency supplies and essential medicines ready if living in flood-prone areas.

Historical Rainfall Records Highlight Monsoon Intensity

Madhya Pradesh has witnessed several remarkable rainfall events over the years.

• Indore recorded its highest 24-hour rainfall of 11.5 inches on July 27, 1913, while July 1973 remains its wettest month with over 30 inches of rainfall.
• Bhopal witnessed nearly 41 inches of rainfall in July 1986, with a one-day record of 11 inches on July 22, 1973.
• Jabalpur holds one of the state's highest monthly rainfall records, receiving nearly 45 inches in July 1930, while recording 13.5 inches in just 24 hours on July 30, 1915.
• Compared to other major cities, Gwalior typically records lower rainfall, averaging around 9 inches in July.
• Ujjain also experiences substantial rainfall during July, receiving nearly 40% of its annual monsoon rainfall during the month.

With the monsoon expected to remain active over the next several days, weather officials have urged residents to stay informed through official forecasts and take necessary precautions in areas vulnerable to flooding.

The latest forecast comes as the southwest monsoon remains active over the state. During the past 24 hours, several districts recorded light to moderate rainfall, while isolated pockets received heavier showers. According to weather officials, the prevailing atmospheric conditions are favourable for continued rainfall across much of the state.

Raipur and Durg recorded the highest daytime temperature of 30.8 degrees Celsius during the period, while Pendra Road registered the lowest minimum temperature at 21 degrees Celsius.

Among the districts that received significant rainfall, Dharamjaigarh recorded around 30 mm, the highest in the state. Lailunga, Korba, Kapu and Kharsia each received nearly 20 mm of rain. Moderate showers were also reported from Bijapur, Naya Baradwar, Kartala, Salhewara, Lal Bahadur Nagar, Kansabel, Pathalgaon and Manpur, where around 10 mm rainfall was measured.

The Meteorological Department has indicated that rainfall activity is expected to intensify over the next two days. While light to moderate showers are likely across many districts, isolated locations in central and northern Chhattisgarh could witness moderate to heavy rainfall.

Officials have also warned of thunderstorms accompanied by lightning at isolated places. Residents have been advised to avoid open fields, water bodies and sheltering under trees during lightning activity. Farmers and people working outdoors have been asked to monitor weather updates before venturing out.

The continuing rainfall is being driven by favourable synoptic conditions over central India. According to meteorologists, the monsoon trough currently extends from Jaisalmer through a low-pressure area over southwest Rajasthan, passing via Kota, Guna, Sidhi and Daltonganj before reaching the northeast Bay of Bengal.

In addition, an upper-air cyclonic circulation persists over northern Gangetic West Bengal and adjoining Bangladesh. Weather experts expect a fresh low-pressure area to develop over the region within the next 24 hours, which could further strengthen rainfall activity across Chhattisgarh and neighbouring states.

Despite intermittent heavy showers in some areas, seasonal rainfall across Chhattisgarh remains within the normal category. From June 1 until now, the state has recorded rainfall that is around 18 per cent below the long-period average. However, the IMD classifies rainfall between minus 19 per cent and plus 19 per cent as "normal," meaning the state's overall monsoon performance continues to remain within acceptable limits.

In the capital, Raipur, cloudy skies are expected to persist throughout Friday. Meteorologists have forecast one or two spells of rain or thundershowers during the day. The maximum temperature is likely to hover around 31 degrees Celsius, while the minimum temperature may remain close to 24 degrees Celsius.

The latest weather advisory comes amid rising concern over swollen rivers and waterlogged areas following continuous rainfall in several districts. In Bilaspur district, rescue teams are continuing their search for a fisherman who was swept away by the strong current of the Shivnath River earlier this week, underscoring the risks associated with overflowing rivers during the monsoon season.

Authorities have appealed to people living near rivers, streams and low-lying areas to remain alert as rainfall continues. District administrations have also advised commuters to exercise caution on waterlogged roads and avoid crossing flooded stretches until water levels recede.

With the monsoon expected to remain active over the coming days, weather officials will continue monitoring the evolving system and issue fresh advisories if rainfall intensity increases.