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.

Monsoon remains elusive; Jabalpur, Mandla, Damoh, Umaria under heatwave warning; Bhopal among 30 districts set for rain with gusty winds

The wait for monsoon in Madhya Pradesh continues to stretch, with the state recording 52 per cent less rainfall than normal between June 1 and June 22. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the state was expected to receive an average of 70.9 mm of rainfall during this period, but only 34.3 mm has been recorded so far.

Forty-eight districts, including Indore, Ujjain and Gwalior, have received below-normal rainfall. Eastern Madhya Pradesh — comprising Jabalpur, Rewa, Sagar and Shahdol divisions — has reported a deficit of 71 per cent, while the western region, including Bhopal, Indore, Ujjain, Narmadapuram and Gwalior-Chambal, has recorded 33 per cent less rainfall.

Heatwave Alert in 4 Districts

The IMD has issued a heatwave warning for Tuesday (June 23) in Jabalpur, Mandla, Damoh and Umaria. Temperatures in these districts are likely to remain between 40°C and 42°C.

Datia recorded the highest temperature in the state on Monday at 42.2°C. Gwalior followed at 40.2°C, while Jabalpur settled at 36°C, Bhopal at 35.2°C, Ujjain at 35°C and Indore at 34.7°C. Pachmarhi remained the coolest at 31.6°C.

Rain and Thunderstorm Alert in 30 Districts

The weather department has forecast thunderstorms with gusty winds reaching speeds of 40 to 60 kmph in approximately 30 districts on Tuesday.

Districts likely to receive rain include Bhopal, Indore, Dhar, Jhabua, Barwani, Khargone, Khandwa, Burhanpur, Dewas, Sehore, Harda, Narmadapuram, Raisen, Vidisha, Sagar, Narsinghpur, Chhindwara, Seoni, Balaghat, Dindori, Anuppur, Gwalior, Morena, Bhind, Datia, Sheopur, Betul, Pandhurna, Alirajpur and Shahdol.

Areas including Neemuch, Mandsaur, Ratlam, Ujjain, Shajapur, Guna, Shivpuri, Tikamgarh, Chhatarpur, Panna, Rewa and Singrauli are expected to remain under hot weather conditions.

Kharif Sowing Affected

The rainfall deficit has slowed the sowing of Kharif crops, particularly soybean. Agricultural scientists say soil becomes suitable for sowing only after receiving approximately 4 inches of rainfall. According to current data, Bhopal is the only district to have crossed that mark, having recorded 4.6 inches of rainfall — 53 per cent above normal.

Monsoon Entry Expected in 2-3 Days

The normal date for monsoon arrival in Madhya Pradesh is June 15, but this year it has been delayed by about eight days. Weather officials expect the monsoon to enter the state within the next two to three days.

The IMD has stated that conditions are favourable for the monsoon to advance further in the next 48 hours, and there is a possibility that it may enter Madhya Pradesh before June 27-28.

Pre-monsoon activity continued across the state on Monday, with Dhar receiving around 2 inches of rainfall and Bhopal recording three-quarters of an inch. Rain and thunderstorms were also reported in Indore, Khandwa, Raisen, Rajgarh, Ujjain, Chhindwara, Jabalpur, Sagar, Satna and Barwani.

Why the Deficit?

So far, June has largely witnessed pre-monsoon weather conditions. The delayed arrival has significantly impacted rainfall figures. An early monsoon onset typically brings a heavy spell of rain, but this year the system has remained sluggish.

The monsoon's northern limit currently passes through Alibag, Pune, Nizamabad, Dantewada, Balangir, Sundargarh, Chatra, Gaya and Muzaffarpur. Met officials said Madhya Pradesh may have to wait a little longer, as the timing of the monsoon's entry will largely depend on wind patterns after the system advances deeper into Maharashtra and Chhattisgarh.

Pre-monsoon activity intensified across Madhya Pradesh with hailstorms in Jabalpur and Damoh, while Khajuraho remained the hottest city. Rain alert has been issued for 16 districts on Wednesday.

Madhya Pradesh continued to witness contrasting weather conditions on Tuesday, with intense pre-monsoon activity bringing hailstorms, rain and strong winds to several districts even as parts of the state remained under severe heat stress. Khajuraho recorded the highest maximum temperature at 46 degrees Celsius, highlighting the sharp weather divide across the state.

According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), hailstorms were reported in Jabalpur and Damoh during the past 24 hours. Rain accompanied by thunderstorms affected at least 18 districts, including Bhind, Datia, Morena, Gwalior, Shivpuri, Sagar, Chhatarpur, Chhindwara, Rewa, Sidhi, Singrauli, Katni, Mandla, Narsinghpur, Satna and Mauganj.

Strong Winds Reported

Jabalpur experienced some of the most severe weather conditions on Tuesday afternoon and evening. Official data showed wind speeds touching 74 kmph, making it the highest recorded gust in the state during the period.

The strong winds were followed by rain and hail in parts of the district. Local reports indicated that a tree collapse damaged several parked vehicles. Similar weather conditions were observed in nearby Damoh.

Apart from Jabalpur, high wind speeds were recorded in several districts. Sidhi reported gusts of 68 kmph, followed by Sagar at 59 kmph and Gwalior at 46 kmph. Moderate to strong winds were also observed in Agar Malwa, Ashoknagar, Rewa, Guna, Shivpuri and Shahdol.

Heat Persists Elsewhere

While many districts received rainfall, heatwave-like conditions continued in other parts of Madhya Pradesh. Khajuraho emerged as the hottest location in the state with a daytime temperature of 46 degrees Celsius.

The persistence of extreme heat alongside thunderstorm activity reflects the ongoing transition phase before the arrival of the southwest monsoon. Meteorologists say such sharp variations are common during the pre-monsoon period, when moisture-bearing winds interact with intense surface heating.

Rain Alert For Wednesday

The weather department has issued a rain alert for 16 districts on Wednesday. These include Barwani, Khargone, Khandwa, Burhanpur, Harda, Narmadapuram, Betul, Narsinghpur, Chhindwara, Pandhurna, Jabalpur, Seoni, Balaghat, Mandla, Dindori and Anuppur.

At the same time, hot and humid conditions are expected to persist in a large number of districts, including Bhopal, Indore, Ujjain, Gwalior, Sagar, Rewa, Singrauli, Shivpuri and Datia. Residents have been advised to remain cautious during afternoon hours as temperatures are likely to stay above normal in many regions.

Forecast Revised

In a notable shift, the IMD has revised its forecast for June 12. Earlier, heatwave warnings had been issued for Bhind, Datia, Niwari, Tikamgarh and Chhatarpur districts.

However, the latest forecast has replaced the heatwave alert with the possibility of hailstorms in Morena, Bhind, Tikamgarh and Chhatarpur. Thunderstorms accompanied by strong winds and rain are expected across large parts of the state.

Monsoon Watch Continues

Weather experts are closely monitoring the progress of the southwest monsoon. The ongoing spell of thunderstorms and scattered rainfall is being linked to active pre-monsoon systems over central India.

Historical weather patterns show that Bhopal has frequently received rainfall during the Nautapa period. Over the past 14 years, rainfall has been recorded during Nautapa on seven occasions, while light drizzle occurred twice. The city has also witnessed significant June rainfall events in recent years.

With changing forecasts and widespread thunderstorm activity, residents across Madhya Pradesh are likely to experience fluctuating weather conditions over the next few days as the state moves closer to the monsoon season.

A sudden shift in MP weather brought rain, thunderstorms and hail to several districts, while lightning struck the famous Hanuman Tekri Temple in Guna, damaging its spire.

Madhya Pradesh witnessed a sharp change in weather conditions on Saturday, bringing relief from the intense Nautapa heat across several regions but also triggering thunderstorms, lightning strikes and hailstorms in parts of the state. One of the most significant incidents was reported from Guna, where lightning struck the renowned Hanuman Tekri Temple, damaging the temple’s spire during a spell of stormy weather.

According to officials, rain and thunderstorms were reported in at least 26 districts over the past 24 hours, affecting major cities including Gwalior, Indore, Ujjain and Bhopal. The weather activity came amid an ongoing heatwave phase that had pushed temperatures beyond 45 degrees Celsius in several parts of Madhya Pradesh during the Nautapa period.

The lightning strike occurred on Friday night as strong winds and rain swept through Guna district. Local authorities confirmed that the upper portion of the Hanuman Tekri Temple structure suffered damage after being hit by lightning. No injuries were reported, but the incident drew attention from devotees and residents, given the temple’s prominence in the region.

Rainfall was recorded across a wide geographical spread. Data released by the India Meteorological Department (IMD) showed that Tikamgarh received more than an inch of rainfall during the past 24 hours, while Datia and Nowgong also recorded significant precipitation. Showers were reported from Gwalior, Dhar, Ratlam, Ujjain, Damoh, Rewa, Sagar, Satna, Umaria, Khargone, Shivpuri, Dindori, Khandwa, Mandsaur, Dewas, Jhabua, Morena and Sheopur, among other districts.

In several locations, the weather turned severe. Hailstorms were reported from Sheopur and Dewas, while gusty winds disrupted normal activity in parts of western and northern Madhya Pradesh. Residents in some districts reported temporary waterlogging on roads following intense but short-duration rainfall.

Bhopal also experienced cloudy conditions from the morning hours, offering respite from the scorching temperatures recorded earlier this week. Similar relief was felt in rural and semi-urban areas where temperatures had remained unusually high through most of May.

Storm Alert Continues

The Meteorological Department has warned that unstable weather conditions are likely to persist over the next few days. An alert has been issued for districts including Indore, Ujjain, Dewas, Khargone, Khandwa, Sehore and Harda, where thunderstorms with wind speeds reaching up to 70 kmph, lightning activity and hail are possible.

Several other districts, including Bhopal, Rajgarh, Shajapur, Ratlam, Mandsaur, Narmadapuram, Sidhi and Singrauli, may witness thunderstorms accompanied by gusty winds of up to 50 kmph.

Heatwave Eases Gradually

The latest forecast suggests that heatwave conditions are likely to weaken from May 31 onward as moisture-bearing systems influence weather across central India. The IMD has indicated that many districts may continue to receive rain, thunderstorms and isolated hail events between May 31 and June 2.

Even as rainfall activity increases, some regions remain under heat alerts. Orange warnings for severe heat conditions have been issued for parts of central and eastern Madhya Pradesh, while thunderstorms are expected to occur simultaneously in several districts.

Impact During Nautapa

The weather reversal is particularly notable because it has occurred during Nautapa, traditionally considered the hottest period of the summer season. Since May 25, several locations, especially Khajuraho and Nowgong, have recorded temperatures above 47 degrees Celsius.

Meteorologists say such fluctuations are not unprecedented, though the intensity and spread of recent rainfall have provided welcome relief to residents battling prolonged heat. In districts such as Dindori, local reports indicated a noticeable drop in temperature following the morning showers.

Authorities have advised residents to remain cautious during thunderstorms, avoid open areas during lightning activity and stay hydrated as daytime temperatures continue to remain high despite intermittent rainfall.

With forecasts pointing to more rain and storm activity in the coming days, Madhya Pradesh’s weather is expected to remain highly variable, bringing a mix of relief and disruption across the state.

Madhya Pradesh is set to witness a sharp rise in temperature starting April 10, signaling the beginning of an intense heatwave phase. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD) office in Bhopal, daytime temperatures across the state are expected to increase by 5 to 6 degrees Celsius over the next few days. This rise comes after a brief spell of rain and thunderstorms that had kept temperatures relatively lower.

Rain and thunderstorm alert in seven districts

Despite the upcoming heatwave, weather activity remains active in parts of the state. The IMD has issued a 24-hour alert for thunderstorms, lightning, and rainfall in districts including Mandla, Seoni, Balaghat, Umaria, Shahdol, Dindori, and Anuppur. These regions may experience gusty winds, rain showers, and lightning, especially during the afternoon and evening hours.

Recent rainfall brought temporary relief

On Wednesday, more than 15 districts including Bhopal, Indore, Ujjain, Jabalpur, Dhar, and Ratlam recorded rainfall and strong winds. This weather activity resulted in a noticeable dip in daytime temperatures, offering short-term relief from the heat.

Cyclonic systems influencing weather patterns

Meteorologists have attributed the recent weather fluctuations to three active cyclonic circulation systems affecting northern, eastern, and western parts of the state. These systems led to widespread rain and storm activity. Even in Bhopal, light showers and strong winds were recorded due to these developments.

Western disturbance to develop on April 11

A new western disturbance is expected to become active over northwestern India on April 11. However, its impact on Madhya Pradesh is likely to be minimal. The state will gradually transition toward hotter and drier conditions despite occasional cloud cover.

Strong winds expected across the state

The IMD has also warned of strong winds accompanying the current weather system. Wind speeds may reach 40 to 60 km per hour in some districts, while other regions could see speeds between 30 and 40 km per hour. The weather is expected to shift mainly during the afternoon hours, bringing temporary instability before stabilizing into hotter conditions.

April and May remain peak summer months

Traditionally, April and May are the hottest months in Madhya Pradesh, similar to how winter peaks in December–January and monsoon intensifies in July–August. This year, however, the weather pattern has been slightly unusual, with frequent rain and storm activity extending into early April.

Frequent weather changes since February

The state has experienced multiple weather shifts since February. While January remained mostly dry, February and March saw four significant spells of rain, thunderstorms, and hailstorms. These events caused considerable damage to crops such as wheat, papaya, and banana, prompting government surveys to assess losses.

Temperature trends in major cities

Data from the past decade shows that cities like Bhopal and Indore have recorded temperatures up to 43°C in April, while Jabalpur has touched 44°C. Gwalior remains one of the hottest cities, with temperatures often crossing 45°C.

Historical temperature records highlight extreme heat

Bhopal recorded its highest April temperature of 44.4°C on April 29, 1996. Indore saw a peak of 44.6°C on April 25, 1958. Jabalpur reached 45.4°C on April 28, 1970, while Gwalior recorded an extreme 46.2°C on April 28, 1958. Ujjain has also witnessed temperatures exceeding 45°C in April in recent years.