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.

Three people, including two children, died after lightning struck Dumki village in Surguja district, while Bilaspur saw storm damage, power outages and waterlogging after heavy rain and strong winds. The state also continues to face a sharp monsoon deficit, with rainfall still about 66% below normal so far.

In Surguja, 5-year-old Sagar, 9-year-old Rani and 36-year-old Ram Sai were standing under a tree to collect mangoes when lightning struck them, killing all three on the spot. Sagar’s 12-year-old elder sister Shraddha was also badly burnt in the strike and is undergoing treatment.

Bilaspur was hit by thunderstorm activity on Monday evening, flooding several areas and causing major disruption to electricity supply. A large tree fell near the Collector’s bungalow, damaging a parked car, though the people inside escaped unharmed. The fall also snapped electric wires, leaving parts of the city without power for hours, including VIP areas.

Officials said the 11 kV line near the Collector’s bungalow broke, while a 33 kV main line between Tifra and Mopka also failed, worsening the blackout. In another incident, nine insulators on an 11 kV line between Birkona and Chhantidih burst at once, and a current transformer at the Shanikari substation exploded, deepening the outage in nearby localities.

The weather department said light to moderate rain will continue for the next 24 hours, and rainfall activity is expected to intensify across Chhattisgarh from 1 July. Over the next week, several districts may see rain with thunder and lightning, so people have been advised to avoid standing under trees or in open areas during storms.

Raipur is expected to remain cloudy today, with chances of thunderstorms and rain. The city’s maximum temperature may stay around 35 degree Celsius, while the minimum could hover near 25 degree Celsius.

Despite the rain spells, monsoon progress remains slow across the state. By 30 June, Chhattisgarh should normally have received 178.4 mm rainfall, but only 60.02 mm has been recorded so far, leaving the state with a deficit of around 66%.

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.

The Meteorological Department has forecasted a significant surge in rainfall activities across Chhattisgarh over the upcoming week. According to the latest update by the India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Sunday, the Southwest Monsoon is progressing steadily and is expected to cover the remaining pockets of the state within the next three to four days.

While light to moderate showers accompanied by gusty winds were recorded over several regions during the past 24 hours, the state continues to wrestle with an alarming cumulative rainfall deficit. Regions like Rajnandgaon and Mohla-Manpur are experiencing an acute dry spell, with downpours dropping by up to 95% below normal levels.

Micro-Climate Shifts Visualized: Heavy Rain at Fundhar, VIP Road Stays Dry

A peculiar micro-climatic phenomenon was witnessed in the state capital, Raipur, on Saturday evening. While the Fundhar Chowk intersection was lashed by a sudden, intense spell of rain, the adjoining VIP Road corridor—located just a short distance away—remained completely dry.

Top Rainfall Logs (Past 24 Hours):

├── Mungeli District : 50 mm (Highest in state)

├── Darbha Region    : 40 mm

└── Gunderdehi/Konta : 30 mm each

Other regions, including Raigarh, Akaltara, Premnagar, Pathalgaon, and Durg, recorded up to 20 mm of precipitation, while Jagdalpur, Balrampur, and Gariaband witnessed scattered showers of 10 mm.

Monsoon Footprint: 18 Districts Covered, Surge Heading North

Monsoon has officially established its footprint across nearly 80% of Chhattisgarh's geographical territory, logging entries into more than 18 districts.

Monsoon Coverage Status

┌──────────────────────────────────────┬────────────────────────────────────────┐

│ Districts Officially Covered         │ Impending Entry (Next 48 Hours)         │

├──────────────────────────────────────┼────────────────────────────────────────┘

│ Raipur, Durg, Dhamtari, Gariaband,   │ Surguja, Surajpur, Balrampur, Koriya,  │

│ Mahasamund, Bilaspur, Kabirdham,     │ Jashpur, Korba, Bilaspur, Mungeli,     │

│ Rajnandgaon, Bastar, Sukma, Bijapur  │ Janjgir-Champa, Sakti, Raigarh         │

└──────────────────────────────────────┴────────────────────────────────────────┘

While the northern belt is currently receiving sporadic pre-monsoon showers, the IMD expects to declare the official advancement of the monsoon line over these pending interior districts within the next 48 hours.

Bastar Logs Best Performance Despite 54% Deficit

The Bastar division, traditionally the gateway for monsoon currents into the state, has recorded the highest volumetric rainfall so far. However, when measured against historical averages, the region remains deep in the red.

• Bastar District: Received 74.8 mm of rainfall against a historical baseline of 142.7 mm (48% deficit).
• Dantewada & Sukma: Both southern districts registered a steep 54% deficit, with Dantewada tracking 49.9 mm against its normal baseline of 107.7 mm.
• Kondagaon & Bijapur: Logged 51.9 mm and 28 mm of total rainfall respectively.

Central Plains and Western Belt Face Alarmingly Dry Conditions

The agricultural heartland of Central Chhattisgarh is exhibiting severe moisture stress. Raipur district has clocked a massive 72% rainfall deficit, managed only 25.3 mm of precipitation against the normal expectation of 90.1 mm. Similar low-moisture trends are visible across the industrial belts of Durg and Balodabazar.

The most critical situation has emerged in the western border districts. Rajnandgaon has recorded a dismal 8.3 mm of rain against its seasonal normal of 100.3 mm—marking a staggering 92% deficit.

Neighboring Mohla-Manpur-Ambagarh Chowk is currently tracking the state's worst deficit at 95%, while newly formed administrative districts like Sakti and Sarangarh-Bilaigarh are facing an 83% drop in expected monsoon output.

Meteorologists expect these deficits to narrow down significantly once the active cyclonic circulations over the Bay of Bengal push heavier, sustained rain bands across the central plains early next week.

Bringing massive relief from a punishing summer, the Southwest Monsoon officially made its onset over Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat on Wednesday. The arrival ends a tense nine-day delay, as the normal onset date for both states is June 15.

According to data from the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the monsoon currents have gained rapid momentum and are projected to sweep across the remaining parts of the central region within the next four days. With this latest advancement, the monsoon has now established its footprint across 22 states, keeping it on track to cover the rest of the country by July 5.

Northeast Devastated: Fatal Flash Floods in Arunachal

While central India celebrated the arrival of rain, extreme weather turned tragic in the northeast. Continuous torrential downpours over the past week culminated in severe flash floods on Wednesday morning in Arunachal Pradesh.

The worst impact was recorded at the NEEPCO Project Colony in the Yazali Circle of Keyi Panyor district, where sudden rushes of water swept through residential zones. Local disaster management officials confirmed that three people are missing and feared dead, while more than 18 houses have suffered extensive structural damage. Emergency rescue operations are heavily hampered as several low-lying pockets remain entirely cut off under deep water.

Mumbai Deluged: Subways Shut Down Within 24 Hours of Delayed Arrival

The developments come just a day after the monsoon made a chaotic entry into Mumbai on Tuesday, missing its standard June 10 schedule by nearly two weeks. The financial capital was battered by intense cloudbursts almost immediately upon arrival.

Rainfall telemetry records gathered between 8:00 AM on Tuesday and 7:00 AM on Wednesday revealed staggering numbers. The Malvani Fire Station registered a massive 334 mm of rainfall, closely followed by the F/South Ward at 328 mm. At least 27 other automated weather stations across municipal limits logged rainfall figures bouncing between 200 mm and 300 mm.

The sheer volume of water triggered immediate urban flooding. Municipal authorities were forced to shut down the crucial Andheri subway due to severe waterlogging, throwing suburban traffic into disarray. Structural damage was also reported from Vikhroli West, where a retaining wall flanking a residential complex gave way. Dozens of uprooted trees were reported by the civic body, crushing parked vehicles across multiple neighborhoods.

Rajasthan Receives Excess Rain; Heatwave Stubbornly Persists Elsewhere

In contrast to the delayed onset elsewhere, Rajasthan has unexpectedly logged a major rain surplus this pre-monsoon season. Between June 1 and June 21, the desert state recorded 39.3 mm of rainfall against its historical average of 28 mm—marking a 41% excess.

Meanwhile, parts of northern and eastern India witnessed volatile atmospheric transitions. A massive dust storm cut through Delhi-NCR on Tuesday afternoon, dragging visibility down sharply and creating twilight-like conditions during peak daylight hours. Heavy dust storms with winds peaking at 60 kmph also rattled six cities in Uttar Pradesh.

Despite the advancing monsoon wall, the IMD has maintained a severe heatwave warning. Temperatures crossed the 40°C threshold on Wednesday across major pockets of North and Central India. Banda in Uttar Pradesh emerged as the hottest spot nationally at 43.3°C.

IMD Weather Forecast Warning

The weather office has mapped out the following alerts for the next 48 hours:

Local administrations in the orange-alert zones have been advised to keep disaster response teams on standby, while residents in the heatwave belt are urged to minimize direct sun exposure as the monsoon slowly fights its way north.

Monsoon has finally entered Chhattisgarh through the Dantewada region, but the season is off to a troubled start. Since June 1, the state has received only 33.2 mm of rain against a normal of 108.2 mm — a deficit of nearly 69 percent. The meteorological department has now issued an alert for the next five days, warning of thunderstorms, moderate to heavy rain, and lightning across several parts of the state, with wind speeds potentially touching 40 to 50 kilometres per hour.

Raipur and Raigarh saw a sudden weather change Monday afternoon, with heavy rain lashing both cities. Waterlogging was reported on Mahadevghat Road in the Sundarnagar area of Raipur. Monday's highest temperature was recorded at Rajnandgaon at 40 degrees Celsius, while Jagdalpur logged the lowest minimum at 22.7 degrees. For the next two days, central Chhattisgarh's maximum temperatures are expected to stay 2 to 3 degrees above normal.

The deficit is spread unevenly across districts, but the numbers are grim almost everywhere. In central Chhattisgarh, Raipur has received just 25.3 mm against a normal of 90.1 mm — a 72 percent shortfall. Durg and Dhamtari both recorded 34.2 mm, well below their respective normals of 113.9 mm and 112.6 mm. Mahasamund stands at 20.7 mm against 105.4 mm normal, and Balodabazar has received a mere 14 mm.

Some districts are in far worse shape. Rajnandgaon has seen only 8.3 mm of rain this season against a normal of 100.3 mm — a staggering 92 percent deficit, the most severe in the state. Mohla-Manpur-Chouki is at 95 percent deficit. Balodabazar and Sarangarh-Bilaigarh are both at 83 percent, and Sakti is in the same range.

Even Bastar division, which received the monsoon first and is faring relatively better, is not in comfortable territory. Bastar district, the best-performing in the state, has received 74.8 mm against a normal of 142.7 mm — still 48 percent below par. Dantewada and Sukma are both at 54 percent deficit.

The worry now is the kharif sowing season. Adequate soil moisture for sowing has not built up across most districts, and the window is narrowing. Met officials say the next ten days are critical — if widespread rain arrives before the end of June, the state's rainfall account could recover quickly. The strengthening of the monsoon system after its entry through Dantewada is encouraging, with cloud cover now visible across Bastar, Raipur, and southern parts of Bilaspur division.

For Raipur on June 23, the department has forecast cloudy skies with rain and thunderstorm activity likely through the day. Maximum temperature is expected around 36 degrees and minimum around 23 degrees Celsius.

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.

After nearly 48 hours without measurable rainfall, residents of Rewa woke to cloudy skies on Sunday but continued to feel heat and humidity, according to local observations and meteorological forecasts. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has warned of only patchy relief, with isolated light showers possible over the next three days.

Dry stretch, humid air
Initial reports indicate the city has not recorded significant rain since midweek, leaving many to complain of oppressive humidity despite reduced sunshine. Temperatures have stayed high: the IMD logged maximums around 38–40°C and minimums between 25–27°C over the past week, with only marginal variation day to day.

Recent temperature trend
Daily readings from local observatories show a small oscillation in the last seven days. On 10 June the maximum was 39°C and minimum 25°C; 11 June peaked at 40°C (min 26°C); 12 and 13 June recorded maximums of 39°C with minimums around 26–27°C. The forecast now indicates a gradual easing: 14 June maximum 39°C and minimum 27°C; 15 June maximum 38°C and minimum 26°C; 16 June maximum 37°C and minimum 25°C.

Forecast details
According to IMD forecasting for eastern Madhya Pradesh, moisture is increasing over the region, boosting cloud activity and pre-monsoon convection. “Cloud cover will remain intermittent and isolated thunder‑showers are possible at a few places,” officials familiar with the bulletin said. The department cautioned that these are likely to be short-lived and will not immediately end the humid conditions.

Voices on the ground
Residents reported mixed impressions on Sunday morning. Rajesh Tiwari, who lives in a neighbouring police station area, said the sunlight felt milder compared with the previous two days but the humidity remained uncomfortable. “The heat is a bit less when clouds come, but the air still feels heavy,” he said. In Amhiya, Sunita Mishra said the cloud cover made the morning “pleasant” and that locals were hoping for more sustained showers.

Public impact
The continuing humidity combined with daytime temperatures near 38–39°C is keeping comfort levels low, particularly for outdoor workers and those without air-conditioned spaces. Medical and civic authorities routinely advise hydration and limiting outdoor exposure during peak afternoon hours. Local municipal sources also said they were monitoring water supply and distribution points ahead of any spike in demand.

Why rain is limited
Meteorologists attribute the lack of widespread rain to the current pattern of pre-monsoon systems, which have generated scattered cloud bands but not consolidated into a full monsoon advance. Eastern Madhya Pradesh is seeing increasing low-level moisture, but large-scale monsoon circulation has not yet become established across central India.

What to expect next
Over the next 72 hours, IMD forecasts suggest more cloud movement and a small downward shift in daytime highs. Local farmers and planners will watch closely for any sustained rainfall, which could ease heat stress in fields and reduce demand on urban water resources. Authorities said they will issue updates if systems intensify or if any localized spells of heavy rain are predicted.

Practical advice
Officials reiterated standard precautions for residents: drink plenty of water, avoid prolonged exposure during the hottest hours, and check local advisories before travel during cloudy or thunder-prone periods. Those in vulnerable health groups should seek cool, shaded environments and keep emergency contacts handy.

Looking ahead
While the next three days may bring brief respite in Rewa through cloud cover and scattered light showers, forecasters say a stronger and consistent change in weather will depend on the pace of monsoon advancement across central India. For now, the city remains in a holding pattern — some relief possible, but the humidity and heat have not eased fully.

Heavy pre-monsoon rain in Shahdol brought respite from soaring temperatures, but widespread waterlogging highlighted shortcomings in the city's drainage system.

Shahdol witnessed a significant weather change on Tuesday afternoon as heavy rain accompanied by strong winds brought much-needed relief from intense heat and humidity across the district. The downpour, which lasted for nearly half an hour in several areas, led to a noticeable drop in temperature and improved weather conditions after days of uncomfortable summer heat.

Residents across the district welcomed the rainfall, which arrived amid rising temperatures and persistent humidity. The showers cooled the atmosphere and offered temporary respite to people who had been struggling with oppressive weather conditions over the past few weeks.

Relief From Summer Heat

The sudden spell of rain transformed weather conditions across Shahdol and surrounding areas. Streets that had been baking under high temperatures earlier in the day experienced cooler conditions by late afternoon as clouds and rain dominated the skyline.

Local residents reported a sharp improvement in comfort levels after the rainfall. Strong winds preceding the showers further helped bring down temperatures, making outdoor conditions significantly more pleasant.

Farmers Receive Timely Support

Beyond urban areas, the rainfall proved beneficial for farmers preparing their fields for the upcoming kharif season. Several villages across the district received adequate rainfall, providing essential soil moisture ahead of sowing activities.

Farmers said the rain could help reduce dependence on early irrigation and create favourable conditions for crops such as paddy and other kharif varieties. Agricultural activities in many parts of the district are expected to gain momentum if similar weather conditions continue over the coming weeks.

The rainfall is being viewed as an encouraging sign ahead of the monsoon season, particularly for farming communities that rely heavily on timely precipitation for crop planning.

Waterlogging Hits City Areas

While the rain brought relief, it also exposed persistent civic infrastructure challenges within Shahdol city. Several roads, intersections and residential colonies reported waterlogging soon after the downpour.

Residents faced difficulties commuting as rainwater accumulated on major stretches. In many locations, clogged or poorly maintained drains prevented the quick discharge of water, causing temporary disruptions to traffic movement and pedestrian access.

The situation renewed concerns about urban drainage preparedness, especially with the monsoon season approaching. Local residents pointed to recurring waterlogging issues during heavy rainfall events and called for improved maintenance of drainage networks.

Pre-Monsoon Activity Underway

According to weather experts, the rainfall was part of ongoing pre-monsoon activity affecting several regions of Madhya Pradesh. Moisture-laden winds from the Bay of Bengal, combined with favourable local atmospheric conditions, have been triggering thunderstorms and rain in parts of the state.

Meteorologists expect such weather patterns to continue intermittently in the coming days as the southwest monsoon progresses towards central India.

Monsoon Arrival Expected Soon

Weather officials indicate that the southwest monsoon is likely to reach Madhya Pradesh within the next two to three weeks. Shahdol and neighbouring districts generally receive the monsoon by the third week of June.

The current spell of rain is being seen as a precursor to the larger seasonal transition. Farmers and residents alike are closely monitoring weather developments, hoping for a timely and well-distributed monsoon.

Rainfall Outlook For District

Shahdol typically records around 1,000 millimetres of annual rainfall. Last year, the district received rainfall close to normal levels, benefiting agricultural production during the kharif season.

With pre-monsoon showers already making an appearance, expectations remain high for another productive monsoon period. However, Tuesday's rainfall also served as an early reminder of the civic challenges that local authorities may need to address before the arrival of sustained seasonal rains.

Heavy pre-monsoon showers in Gwalior and Morena bring respite as the Met issues loo alerts for six districts

A sudden shift in weather brought intermittent rain to Gwalior from around 6am on Friday and heavy downpours to parts of Morena, offering a brief break from the searing pre-monsoon heat as the India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a mix of heatwave and storm alerts across Madhya Pradesh.

Rain arrives early
Residents in Gwalior reported spells of rain beginning at about 6am, with showers continuing on and off through the morning, local officials said. In Morena, the rain came down more intensely in the early hours, leaving wet roads and a cooler feel in the neighbourhoods close to the Chambal plains.

Alerts across the state
The IMD has put six districts — Gwalior, Morena, Shyopur, Niwari, Tikamgarh and Chhatarpur — on an orange alert for severe loo (hot wind) conditions. A wider set of 27 districts, including Bhopal, Jabalpur, Vidisha and Sagar, carry a yellow heatwave alert with maximum temperatures expected to remain above 43°C in many places.

At the same time, forecasters warned of thunderstorms, gusty winds and isolated hail over pockets of the state between May 29 and June 1. The department’s four-day forecast said Friday would see a mix of heat, rain and possible hail, while widespread rain and thunderstorm activity is likely from May 30 onwards, temporarily replacing heatwave conditions in most divisions.

Local damage and earlier storms
The weather change follows violent storms that hit Rewa and adjoining areas on Thursday night. Local officials and media reports said strong gusts uprooted trees and electricity poles, tore off tin roofs and damaged signboards in market areas. Authorities in affected towns carried out preliminary assessments and restoration work on power lines and municipal clearing of fallen debris.

High temperatures earlier in May
The state has been under intense heat since the start of nautapa (the peak summer period). Since May 25 several towns recorded extreme highs: Khajuraho and Naugaon topped the list with temperatures touching and exceeding 46°C on some days. On Thursday, 10 stations recorded temperatures of 45°C or above; Khajuraho recorded a maximum of 46.5°C, while Rajgarh, Datia, Damoh-Malajkhand and Tikamgarh also reported readings above 45°C.

Gwalior’s long-term extremes
Gwalior, one of the hotter urban centres in the state, has seen temperatures cross 47°C in the past, with a record high of 48.3°C on May 30, 1947. This year the city registered a high of 44.7°C earlier in May before the recent showers offered temporary relief.

Health advisory issued
IMD meteorologist H.S. Pandey advised people to avoid outdoor activities between noon and 3pm when heat is most intense, and to stay hydrated. “If travel is unavoidable, carry water, wear light cotton clothes and avoid strenuous work in the afternoon,” he said. Authorities have urged special care for children, the elderly and outdoor workers. Hospitals and health departments in several districts have been asked to be alert for heatstroke cases.

Pets and livestock risk
Local veterinarians warned that pets and livestock are also at increased risk during nautapa. With many towns recording temperatures above 45°C earlier this week, vets recommended limiting pet walks to early morning and late evening, providing shade, and ensuring constant access to drinking water for farm animals.

Outlook and next steps
The IMD forecast indicates a continuing active spell from May 30 to June 1, with a likelihood of thunderstorms and isolated hail in parts of the state and no statewide heatwave alerts during those three days. However, pockets in Indore and Narmadapuram divisions may still see lingering high temperatures. District administrations have been asked to keep relief measures ready, monitor vulnerable populations and coordinate with power and municipal departments to respond to storm-related damage.

For residents, the immediate message is simple: expect changing conditions — from intense heat to sudden storms — over the coming 72 hours and plan outdoor activities accordingly.

A punishing heatwave has tightened its grip across Madhya Pradesh, with 45 cities reeling under soaring temperatures on Tuesday, the second day of the traditional Nautapa period. State capital Bhopal and several other regions woke up to a blazing sun and blistering winds, severely impacting normal life, even as weather officials dropped hints of impending relief with pre-monsoon showers expected later this week.

Red Alert in Five Districts

According to officials from the India Meteorological Department (IMD), a severe heatwave red alert remains active for Niwari, Tikamgarh, Chhatarpur, Panna, and Satna districts. Currently, Khajuraho and Nowgong in the Chhatarpur district are recorded as the hottest spots in the state, with maximum temperatures consistently breaching the 45-degree Celsius mark.

While major urban centres like Bhopal and Gwalior continue to struggle under severe heatwave conditions, southern and western patches including Indore and Narmadapuram divisions recorded marginal drops in temperature, offering brief respite from the extreme heat.

Desolate Roads and Scorching Winds

The ground-level impact of the rising mercury was visible across major towns by late Tuesday morning. In Ashoknagar, the maximum temperature touched nearly 44°C, driving residents indoors. "By midday, vehicular movement and pedestrian traffic on major roads dropped by more than half. People are venturing out only for unavoidable tasks, wrapping their faces in cotton scarves," reported a local trader from the city.

Similar scenes played out in Dhar and Agar Malwa. In Dhar, where the morning temperature started at a warm 25.6°C, the mercury climbed rapidly to 43°C by noon, leaving busy marketplaces virtually deserted. Strong, dry winds blowing at nearly 19 km/h aggravated the discomfort for daily wage earners and commuters.

Healthcare Facilities Feel the Strain

The harsh weather has exposed infrastructural gaps in public health facilities across the state. In Gwalior's Kamla Raja Hospital, patients and their attendants faced harrowing times due to malfunctioning ceiling fans and an inadequate number of water coolers. Relatives were seen cooling patients with hand-held paper fans, while many sat under trees in the hospital courtyard to escape the stifling indoor humidity.

Meanwhile, at the Charak Hospital in Ujjain, families of patients took matters into their own hands. Relatives brought personal coolers and table fans from home to place beside hospital beds. When questioned about the arrangement, hospital management claimed they had recently procured 25 new coolers for the 24 wards and were fixing faulty air conditioners, adding that they had not officially permitted private cooling equipment inside the premises.

Historic Nautapa Rain Pattern

Despite the intense heat, historical data indicates that Nautapa—the nine hottest days of summer—frequently witnesses brief spells of rain in the state capital. Over the last 14 years, Bhopal has recorded rainfall during this specific period seven times, with minor drizzle on two other occasions. This year followed a similar trend, as parts of Bhopal, Umaria, and Damoh experienced sudden cloud cover and light drizzle on Monday evening, briefly interrupting the intense heat before temperatures rose again on Tuesday.

Pre-Monsoon Arrival Dates Announced

The current severe heatwave conditions are projected to persist for the next 48 hours, after which a shifting weather pattern is expected to bring widespread relief. The regional meteorological center confirmed that a western trough passing through the region is likely to trigger pre-monsoon activity across Madhya Pradesh by May 28.

Weather scientists have issued an alert for rain, thunderstorms, and lightning across 14 districts spanning Gwalior, Chambal, Sagar, and Jabalpur divisions on Thursday, signaling a gradual transition away from the peak summer heat.