Madhya Pradesh is experiencing one of its strongest monsoon spells of the season, with continuous rainfall over the past 60 hours driven by three active weather systems. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast heavy to very heavy rainfall across several parts of the state over the next 24 hours, prompting weather alerts in multiple districts.

According to IMD officials, the ongoing rainfall is being caused by the combined influence of an active monsoon trough, an upper-air cyclonic circulation, and an east-west shear zone. Together, these systems have created ideal conditions for widespread and persistent rainfall across central and western Madhya Pradesh.

Heavy Rain Continues Across the State

Rainfall has been reported in more than 40 districts, including major cities such as Bhopal, Indore, Ujjain, and Jabalpur. The prolonged showers have led to waterlogging in low-lying areas, disrupted traffic in several cities, and significantly lowered daytime temperatures.

At the same time, the sustained rainfall has improved water levels in rivers, reservoirs, and other water bodies, offering relief after an earlier rainfall deficit during the monsoon season.

IMD Issues Heavy Rain Alert for 17 Districts

The IMD has issued an Orange Alert for very heavy rainfall in:

• Alirajpur
• Dhar
• Barwani
• Khargone

A heavy rainfall warning has also been issued for:

• Neemuch
• Ratlam
• Ujjain
• Indore
• Sehore
• Seoni
• Mandla
• Balaghat
• Umaria
• Rewa
• Mauganj
• Sidhi
• Singrauli

Several other districts, including Bhopal, Raisen, Vidisha, Dewas, Gwalior, Jabalpur, Sagar, and Chhindwara, are expected to experience intermittent light to heavy showers throughout the day.

Why Is Rainfall So Intense?

According to weather experts, the primary reason behind the ongoing wet spell is a strong upper-air cyclonic circulation extending up to 7.6 kilometres above north-central Madhya Pradesh.

The active monsoon trough currently stretches from Bikaner through Banasthali, Guna, Damoh, Pendra Road, and Medinipur before reaching the northeast Bay of Bengal. This system is continuously drawing moisture from both the Arabian Sea and the Bay of Bengal, providing abundant moisture for cloud formation.

An additional east-west shear zone near 22° North latitude is strengthening thundercloud development, leading to spells of intense rainfall within short durations. Meteorologists say two additional supporting weather systems are also contributing to the widespread rainfall across the state.

Rainfall Deficit Narrows

The recent spell has helped improve Madhya Pradesh's seasonal rainfall position.

The state's rainfall deficit has steadily narrowed over the past three days:

• Monday: 17% below normal
• Tuesday: 14% below normal
• Wednesday: 11% below normal

So far this monsoon season, Madhya Pradesh has recorded approximately 307.9 mm of rainfall against the seasonal normal of 347.7 mm.

Eastern Madhya Pradesh remains around 15% below normal, while western Madhya Pradesh is approximately 8% below average.

Most Districts Still Await Normal Rainfall

Despite the recent improvement, 41 districts continue to receive below-normal rainfall. Most districts in eastern Madhya Pradesh remain deficient, with Niwari being one of the few exceptions.

Only 14 districts have recorded above-normal rainfall so far this season, including Bhopal, Indore, Ujjain, Sehore, Dewas, Harda, Rajgarh, Khargone, Neemuch, Burhanpur, Khandwa, Bhind, Agar Malwa, and Niwari.

Dewas Records Highest Rainfall

Among all districts, Dewas has received the highest rainfall so far, recording approximately 18.5 inches, nearly 49% above normal.

Other districts with significant rainfall include:

• Balaghat: 18 inches
• Sehore: 17.2 inches
• Seoni: 17 inches
• Bhopal: 16.4 inches
• Harda, Damoh, and Dindori: Around 16 inches each

In contrast, Alirajpur has recorded the lowest seasonal rainfall, with around 2.5 inches.

July Remains the Most Important Monsoon Month

Meteorologists note that July typically contributes nearly 40% of Madhya Pradesh's annual rainfall, making it the most crucial month of the southwest monsoon.

Although rainfall remained below normal during June and a prolonged dry spell affected early July, the current active weather systems are expected to further reduce the rainfall deficit if the wet spell continues over the coming days.

The IMD has advised residents in affected districts to remain alert for localized flooding, waterlogging, reduced visibility, and possible traffic disruptions as heavy rainfall is likely to persist over the next 24 hours.

Madhya Pradesh is witnessing a weak monsoon spell, with the state recording a 17% rainfall deficit so far this season. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the state has received only 268.1 mm (10.5 inches) of rainfall against the normal 323.2 mm (12.7 inches). Although intermittent showers have continued across several regions, widespread heavy rainfall has remained absent for the past 13 days, raising concerns over agriculture, water availability and rising electricity demand.

The IMD has issued a heavy rainfall alert for Morena, Bhind, Damoh and Katni districts on Tuesday. Light to moderate rain is expected in several other districts, including Bhopal, Sehore, Raisen, Rajgarh, Vidisha, Indore, Dhar, Jhabua, Alirajpur, Burhanpur, Barwani, Khandwa and Khargone. Meanwhile, Neemuch, Mandsaur and Ratlam are likely to remain dry.

Rainfall Deficit Widens Across the State

Despite occasional showers in the past few days, rainfall has remained well below seasonal expectations. Weather officials said the scattered rain has not been sufficient to offset the overall deficit.

Until early July, western Madhya Pradesh—including Bhopal, Indore, Ujjain, Narmadapuram, Gwalior and Chambal divisions—was recording surplus rainfall. However, by July 20, the region had slipped into a 12% rainfall deficit.

Eastern Madhya Pradesh, covering Jabalpur, Rewa, Shahdol and Sagar divisions, is currently reporting a 17% rainfall deficit, indicating that the weak monsoon has affected almost the entire state.

39 Districts Receive Below-Normal Rainfall

Rainfall remains below normal in 39 districts of Madhya Pradesh.

Districts such as Jabalpur, Rewa, Satna, Sagar, Chhindwara, Mandla, Damoh, Tikamgarh, Morena, Dhar, Barwani, Vidisha, Raisen, Ratlam, Shivpuri, Sheopur and Alirajpur continue to report rainfall below the seasonal average.

On the other hand, 16 districts, including Dewas, Bhopal, Indore, Sehore, Ujjain, Harda, Rajgarh, Neemuch, Burhanpur, Khandwa and Khargone, have received above-normal rainfall despite the statewide deficit.

Dewas Emerges as Wettest District

Among all districts, Dewas has recorded the highest rainfall surplus, receiving 102% more rain than normal, with nearly 18 inches recorded so far.

Harda has received around 15 inches, while Indore and Sehore have recorded approximately 14 inches each. Bhopal has received about 13.1 inches of rainfall.

In contrast, Alirajpur remains the driest district, recording only 2.25 inches of rainfall—74% below normal, the lowest in Madhya Pradesh.

Strong Weather System Expected Later This Month

Weather expert Shailendra Kumar Nayak said a stronger monsoon system is likely to become active during the last week of July, which could bring widespread rainfall across the state.

Currently, weak weather systems around Madhya Pradesh are producing only scattered showers, preventing sustained heavy rainfall over large areas.

Power Demand Rises Amid Weak Monsoon

The prolonged dry spell and higher temperatures have also led to increased electricity consumption across the state, as households and businesses continue to rely heavily on cooling appliances. The weak monsoon has delayed the usual drop in power demand that typically accompanies widespread rainfall.

July Remains Crucial for Madhya Pradesh

July is traditionally the wettest month for Madhya Pradesh, contributing nearly 40% of the state's annual monsoon rainfall.

Historically, Bhopal receives around 14 inches of rainfall during July, while Jabalpur averages over 17 inches, making it the wettest major city in the state during the monsoon season. However, this year's subdued rainfall has kept seasonal totals below normal across most regions.

With forecasts indicating stronger monsoon activity in the coming days, authorities and farmers will be hoping for widespread rainfall to reduce the deficit and improve water availability across Madhya Pradesh.

The southwest monsoon has become fully active across Chhattisgarh after remaining sluggish for several days, with good to heavy rainfall expected in most parts of the state over the next seven days.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast widespread rain accompanied by thunderstorms and lightning in the coming week. Dense cloud clusters are currently visible over central and northern parts of the state, including Raipur, Bilaspur, and Surguja regions.

In the last 24 hours, moderate to heavy rain occurred in parts of Surguja and Bastar divisions, while light showers were recorded elsewhere. The recent activity has brought some relief from the heat, though the overall June rainfall remains significantly below normal.

According to data, the state should have received around 188 mm (7.4 inches) of rain by June 30, but only 66.2 mm (2.5 inches) has been recorded so far — a massive 65 per cent deficit. However, with the monsoon now covering the entire state, officials hope the shortfall will be made up in the coming weeks.

Tragedies Amid Rain

The monsoon activity has also claimed lives. In Surguja’s Dhaurpur police station area, lightning struck a tree under which three children and a youth were standing, killing two children and the youth while injuring another child. In Bilaspur, strong winds and rain caused a large tree to fall near the collector’s bungalow, damaging a car, though the occupants escaped unhurt.

The weather department has advised people to avoid open areas during thunderstorms and take necessary precautions.

As the monsoon gains momentum, farmers are hoping for consistent rainfall to support kharif sowing. The coming week will be crucial for rainfall distribution across the state.

The delayed monsoon has covered over half the state, but most districts are staring at a severe rainfall deficit just as the kharif season begins.

The southwest monsoon has finally made its way into Chhattisgarh, covering more than half the state after entering through the Dantewada region. But here's the catch — it arrived nearly a week late, and the rain it brought so far is nowhere near enough.

Data from the meteorological department shows that between June 1 and now, the state should have received 108.2 mm of rainfall. The actual figure? Just 33.2 mm. That's a deficit of nearly 69 per cent.

The monsoon's northern limit reached Raipur by June 23, triggering weather changes across most parts. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has now issued a warning for thunderstorms and lightning strikes across the state for the next seven days.

Bastar Leads, But Still Falls Short

The Bastar division, which traditionally gets the first monsoon showers, has fared relatively better than other regions. But "better" is a relative term here:

- Bastar district: 74.8 mm rainfall against a normal of 142.7 mm — a 48% deficit

- Dantewada: 49.9 mm against 107.7 mm normal — down by 54%

- Sukma: 60.3 mm recorded, which is 54% below normal

Kondagaon and Bijapur reported 51.9 mm and 28 mm respectively.

Central Chhattisgarh Worst Hit

The situation in central districts is far more concerning. Raipur, the state capital, has recorded just 25.3 mm against a normal of 90.1 mm — a massive 72% deficit. Dhamtari, Durg, and Mahasamund are all reporting similar shortfalls, with deficits ranging between 70-80%.

But the numbers get even more alarming when you look at some districts:

- Rajnandgaon: 8.3 mm against a normal of 100.3 mm — a staggering 92% deficit

- Mohla-Manpur-Chowki: 95% deficit

- Balodabazar and Sarangarh-Bilaigarh: 83% below normal

- Sakti: 83% deficit

What This Means for Farmers

These numbers aren't just statistics — they matter on the ground. The kharif sowing season is underway, and most districts haven't received enough moisture for proper planting. Farmers are watching the skies nervously, waiting for the rains to pick up.

Agriculture experts say the next 10 days will be critical. If widespread, good rainfall doesn't arrive in the last week of June, the sowing window could shrink significantly, impacting crop yields later in the season.

The good news, according to the weather department, is that the coming week might bring some relief. Thunderstorms and lightning are expected across the state, with heavy spells possible in some areas.

Where It Rained in the Last 24 Hours

Doundi and Nangur recorded the highest rainfall in the past 24 hours. Mainpur and Dhamtari received 40 mm each. Areas like Sarsiwa, Kanker, Kukrel, Darbha, Nagri, Dhanora, Bhatgaon, Magarlod, Jagdalpur, Rajnandgaon, Baderajpur, and Tokapal reported around 30 mm.

Light to moderate rain was also recorded in Bastar, Bilaigarh, Amlipadar, Belargaon, Makdi, Gurur, Patan, Charama, Gariaband, Chhura, Sarona, Kurud, Bhanupratapur, Farsgaon, and Bhakhra.

Temperature Watch

Despite the rain, Bilaspur recorded the highest maximum temperature in the state at 39 degrees Celsius. Rajnandgaon saw the lowest minimum temperature at 22 degrees.

For Raipur, the IMD has forecast cloudy skies with thunderstorms and rain on June 24. The maximum temperature is expected to hover around 35 degrees, with the minimum settling at about 25 degrees.

Officials are hopeful that the rainfall deficit will reduce significantly if the monsoon gains strength in the coming days. But for now, farmers and residents across Chhattisgarh are waiting — and watching the clouds.

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.

The southwest monsoon has slowed down just as it reached Chhattisgarh, with its pace temporarily on hold across the state. While the much-awaited full arrival is still pending, the India Meteorological Department has forecast thunderstorm, lightning, gusty winds and light to moderate rainfall in several parts of the state over the next five days.

In the past 24 hours, northern Chhattisgarh witnessed spells of thunder and lightning accompanied by strong winds. Light to moderate rain occurred in scattered areas. The maximum temperature touched 41.2 degrees Celsius in Durg, making it the hottest place in the state, while Ambikapur recorded the lowest minimum temperature at 22.9 degrees Celsius.

Meteorologists said the monsoon has currently stalled near the state’s border, leading to a temporary break in its progress. However, conditions remain favourable for renewed activity. Several districts may experience gusty winds blowing at 40 to 50 km per hour, raising the risk of dust storms and thunderstorms in the coming days.

Raipur, the state capital, is likely to stay under cloudy skies on Tuesday. The weather department has issued an alert for thunderstorm, rain or dusty winds in the city. Day temperature is expected to hover around 39 degrees Celsius while the night temperature may settle near 27 degrees Celsius.

The current weather pattern has brought some relief from the intense heat in certain pockets, though temperatures are still high in many places. Just four days ago in Korba, heavy showers turned streets into temporary streams, with children seen floating paper boats — images that captured the joy of the first good spell of rain.

Officials are closely monitoring the situation as the state prepares for the full onset of the monsoon. Farmers, especially those yet to complete sowing, are hoping for timely and widespread rainfall in the coming week. At the same time, authorities have asked people to remain cautious of lightning and strong winds, which can damage standing crops, weak structures and overhead power lines.

In the last few years, Chhattisgarh has seen erratic monsoon behaviour, sometimes leading to floods in low-lying areas and drought-like conditions in others. This year too, the delayed and paused progress of the monsoon has become a topic of discussion among locals and agricultural experts.

The Met department has advised that while no extremely heavy rainfall is predicted immediately, the possibility of thundershowers with squally winds cannot be ruled out. People living in vulnerable areas have been asked to stay alert, particularly during late afternoon and evening hours when such weather activity usually peaks.

As of now, no major disruption has been reported due to the current weather, but the next five days will be crucial for the state’s agriculture-dependent regions. Further updates on the monsoon’s movement are expected in the coming hours.

The weather department said it is keeping a constant watch on developing systems. Residents have been urged not to take shelter under trees during thunderstorms and to avoid open areas when lightning is reported.

For now, Chhattisgarh waits for the monsoon to pick up pace again after this temporary lull.

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.

The storm and rain fury across Uttar Pradesh and Bihar has left 48 people dead, disrupted air travel in Patna, and triggered weather alerts across several northern and central states.

Storms, Heavy Rain Claim 48 Lives Across UP and Bihar; Flight Operations Hit

Rising Death Toll

Severe thunderstorms, heavy rain and lightning have claimed at least 48 lives across Uttar Pradesh and Bihar over the past 24 hours, as unstable weather conditions continued to affect large parts of northern and eastern India. Authorities have issued fresh alerts in multiple states, warning of more rain, strong winds and hailstorms in the coming days.

According to officials, Uttar Pradesh reported 31 deaths linked to thunderstorms and related incidents, while Bihar recorded 17 fatalities caused by lightning strikes, strong winds and heavy rainfall. The weather system, which developed amid an ongoing heatwave across several regions, has brought a sudden shift in temperatures but also caused widespread disruption.

Saharanpur Sees Flash Flood-Like Situation

One of the most dramatic incidents was reported from Saharanpur in western Uttar Pradesh, where intense rainfall triggered a surge of water and debris from a hillside. Local authorities said at least 10 vehicles, including an Innova and a tractor, were swept away by the force of the water.

Visuals from the area showed damaged vehicles and debris scattered along roads. Emergency teams were deployed to assess losses and restore normal movement. No major rescue operation was reported by officials, though the incident highlighted the intensity of the weather conditions affecting the region.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has maintained rain and thunderstorm alerts for all 75 districts of Uttar Pradesh.

Patna Flights Diverted

In Bihar, heavy rain and thunderstorms disrupted air traffic at Patna airport. Airport officials said four flights were diverted due to adverse weather conditions, while 18 others faced delays.

More than 500 passengers were affected as airlines adjusted schedules amid poor visibility and strong winds. Rail services also experienced delays at several locations, adding to travel difficulties across the state.

The IMD has forecast rain in around 25 districts of Bihar, with fresh warnings issued for thunderstorms, lightning and hailstorms.

Weather Changes Across North India

The changing weather pattern has been visible across several states. Rajasthan witnessed a sharp drop in temperatures after widespread rain and hailstorms. Districts including Churu, Hanumangarh, Bikaner, Sikar, Jaipur and Alwar recorded a fall of up to 10 degrees Celsius compared to previous days.

A fresh alert for thunderstorms and hailstorms remains in place for nearly 30 districts of the state. Meteorologists have linked the weather activity to an active western disturbance influencing northwestern India.

In Punjab, hailstorms were reported from Pathankot on Saturday morning, while heavy rainfall lashed Mohali and surrounding areas. Rain and strong wind warnings have been issued for multiple districts, including Chandigarh and Panchkula.

Central India Gets Relief

Parts of Madhya Pradesh also received rainfall, bringing temporary relief from intense summer heat. Several districts, including Gwalior, witnessed showers on Friday, and weather officials have warned of possible hailstorms in nine districts, including Bhopal, Datia, Chhatarpur, Neemuch and Mandsaur.

The sudden change in weather is expected to keep daytime temperatures below recent heatwave levels in many parts of the state.

Monsoon Outlook Under Watch

Even as pre-monsoon activity intensifies, the IMD has indicated that the southwest monsoon is likely to reach Kerala within the next seven days. However, the broader seasonal outlook remains a concern.

The weather agency has projected below-normal rainfall during the June-September monsoon season, estimating precipitation at around 90 per cent of the Long Period Average. While northeastern India is expected to receive near-normal rainfall, several other regions may face rainfall deficits.

Agricultural experts are closely monitoring the forecast, particularly in rain-fed farming regions where monsoon performance directly affects crop planning and rural livelihoods.

Fresh Alerts Continue

For the next two days, the IMD has warned of thunderstorms, lightning and gusty winds across parts of Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Bihar and Tamil Nadu. Rainfall activity is expected to remain widespread, with local administrations advising residents to remain cautious during periods of severe weather.

As storm and rain fury continues to affect large parts of the country, authorities are monitoring the situation closely while emergency response teams remain on alert in vulnerable districts.

Temperatures soar across the state as pre-monsoon activity brings limited relief in initial days of the traditional nine-day hot spell.

Severe heatwave conditions continued to grip large parts of Madhya Pradesh on Wednesday as Nautapa entered its third day, with 16 cities recording maximum temperatures above 44°C. Khajuraho in Chhatarpur district emerged as the hottest place in the state, recording 46.4°C on Tuesday.

According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD) Bhopal centre, the intense heat is typical for Nautapa, the nine-day period considered the peak of summer heat in central India. However, the first two days of this spell saw some respite in the form of thunderstorms and light to moderate rainfall in several areas.

Red Alert in Multiple Districts

The IMD has issued a red alert for heatwave in Niwari, Tikamgarh, Chhatarpur, Panna, Satna, and Rewa districts on Wednesday. Tikamgarh is also likely to experience warm nights with minimum temperatures remaining elevated. Orange alerts for severe heatwave have been sounded for Gwalior and Jabalpur, while Bhopal may also witness heatwave conditions.

Local residents in Tikamgarh reported significant discomfort. On Tuesday, the district recorded 45°C, while on Monday it touched 45.3°C. The minimum temperature has hovered between 30-31°C, offering little relief even after sunset. “People are avoiding stepping out during peak afternoon hours,” said a local shopkeeper.

Ground Reality Amid Scorching Heat

In Bhopal, the impact of the rising mercury was visible on the streets. Major roads, including Link Road No. 1, wore a deserted look during afternoon hours. Even the usually shaded “Thandi Sadak” near Shaurya Smarak saw reduced footfall and vehicle movement as people preferred to stay indoors.

Demand for traditional summer coolers such as shikanji, lemon water, and soda shot up significantly in the capital city, with vendors reporting brisk business since morning.

Temperature Snapshot Across MP

On Tuesday, several places crossed the 44°C mark:

- Khajuraho: 46.4°C

- Naugaon: 45.6°C

- Datia: 45.2°C

- Damoh, Satna, Tikamgarh: 45°C

- Rewa: 44.8°C

- Gwalior: 44.1°C

- Bhopal: 43.2°C

- Jabalpur: 43.9°C

Among major cities, Gwalior remained the hottest, followed by Jabalpur and Bhopal. Indore and Ujjain recorded relatively lower temperatures at 41.2°C and 42°C respectively.

Rain Alert Brings Hope

After two days of scattered thunderstorms, the IMD has forecast good news for the coming days. From May 28, most parts of the state are likely to receive rainfall for three consecutive days. This pre-monsoon activity is expected to bring some relief from the scorching heat.

The southwest monsoon is likely to enter Madhya Pradesh between June 10 and 16, according to current estimates.

Health Concerns Rise

With temperatures touching 40-45°C during Nautapa, doctors are advising caution against heat-related illnesses. Dehydration, heat stroke, dizziness, and fatigue are common concerns. Residents have been urged to carry water bottles, wear light cotton clothes, avoid direct sun exposure between 12 noon and 4 pm, and consume hydrating fluids.

The combination of extreme day temperatures and high night temperatures is making recovery difficult for people, especially outdoor workers, elderly citizens, and children.

As the state waits for the promised rainfall in the next few days, the coming week will be crucial in determining whether the intense heat eases or continues to test public endurance across Madhya Pradesh.

Severe heatwave conditions continued to grip large parts of India on Sunday, with Uttar Pradesh’s Banda recording a scorching 46.2°C even as thunderstorms brought temporary relief to some northern regions. Private weather agencies reported that 37 Indian cities figured among the 50 hottest places globally, highlighting the extreme summer of 2026.

Brahmapuri in Maharashtra remained the hottest spot in the country for the second consecutive day, touching 47.1°C on Saturday. Several other locations including Chandrapur, Raipur and Prayagraj also saw temperatures soar above 45°C, according to data from AQI.in.

Extreme Temperatures Sweep Multiple States

More than half the country battled intense heat, with maximum temperatures crossing 45°C in parts of Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Gujarat, Maharashtra and Odisha. In Delhi, several areas crossed 44°C, forcing residents to seek whatever shade they could find during peak afternoon hours.

However, afternoon thunderstorms and scattered rainfall offered some respite in Uttar Pradesh, Delhi, Bihar, Haryana, Punjab, Rajasthan and Uttarakhand. Temperatures in parts of Rajasthan dropped below 45°C after the weather shifted suddenly late Saturday.

Heatstroke Deaths Reported in Telangana

The extreme conditions have begun claiming lives. Telangana reported 16 heatstroke deaths across seven districts in the past 24 hours. The Meteorological Department has issued a heatwave alert for Hyderabad, Rangareddy, Karimnagar, Khammam, Nalgonda, Suryapet, Mulugu and Mahbubnagar districts till May 26. Officials urged citizens to avoid outdoor activity between 11 am and 4 pm.

Ground Reality Amid Scorching Heat

Across northern and central India, people adapted to the harsh weather in their own ways. In New Delhi, commuters wore caps and scarves to shield themselves from the blazing sun and hot winds. At Prayagraj railway station, passengers wrapped gamchas around their heads and shoulders while waiting for trains.

In Amritsar, a woman was seen covering her family with a dupatta for protection. Nagpur witnessed bikers covering their faces and heads with cloth to beat the heat. Even tourists at the Taj Mahal in Agra struggled, with many stopping frequently to drink water.

Wildlife too felt the impact. At Birsa Munda Zoological Park in Ranchi, authorities sprayed water in the lion enclosure to keep the animals cool.

Two-Day Weather Outlook

The India Meteorological Department has forecast continued heatwave conditions for the next couple of days in several states. On May 25, Delhi, Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan are likely to see clear skies and intense sunshine. Southern states such as Kerala, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu, along with Assam and Meghalaya, may receive rain, thunderstorms and strong winds.

On May 26, heatwave alerts remain active for Haryana, Delhi, Punjab, Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh. Humid conditions are expected to make it uncomfortable in West Bengal and Odisha.

Heavy rainfall alerts have been issued for Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Meghalaya, Bihar, Kerala, Lakshadweep and Tamil Nadu. Thunderstorms with lightning and gusty winds are likely in Bihar, Andhra Pradesh, Jharkhand, Odisha, Telangana, Karnataka and West Bengal.

Regional Heatwave Alerts

Rajasthan has issued heatwave warnings for 18 districts even as light rain occurred in Jaipur, Tonk, Alwar, Hanumangarh and Sri Ganganagar. Madhya Pradesh has alerted 37 districts, with Nowgong and Khajuraho crossing 45°C. Himachal Pradesh is bracing for severe heat over the next five days, particularly in its plains and lower hills starting May 26. Gujarat too expects dry conditions and temperatures above 40°C till the end of the month.

The current spell of extreme heat comes as India experiences one of its harshest pre-monsoon periods in recent years. With monsoon arrival still weeks away in most parts, authorities continue to advise caution, especially for vulnerable groups including the elderly, children and outdoor workers.

As temperatures remain high across large parts of the country, the India heatwave is likely to dominate public attention and administrative focus in the coming days.

Heatwave Alert Continues Amid Rain Warning

40-50kmph Winds Expected, Thunderstorm Likely in Several Districts

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a dual warning for Chhattisgarh. While a severe heatwave continues to bake the state, officials predict thunderstorms with gusty winds reaching 40-50 kmph over the next 48 hours.

Dual Weather Warning Issued

Authorities have sounded an alert for the Raipur, Durga, and Bilaspur divisions. According to the latest Government Updates, residents should brace for a sudden change in weather patterns. Despite the forecast of light drizzle, the heatwave conditions are expected to persist.

Rajnandgaon Remains Hottest

The industrial town of Rajnandgaon recorded a scorching 44.5°C on Monday. Sources indicated that the district has remained the hottest spot in the state for the past week, with temperatures hovering close to 45 degrees. Ambikapur recorded the lowest minimum temperature at 23.4°C.

Active Trough Line Impact

Why is this happening? As per meteorological reports, an active trough line extending from Uttar Pradesh to Odisha is currently influencing the regional climate. This system is bringing moisture, leading to thundercloud formation, but it is not strong enough to break the prevailing heat spell.

Thunderstorm and Lightning Risk

The IMD has warned of moderate-intensity thunderstorms. Officials state there is a high probability of lightning strikes accompanied by gusty winds. Citizens have been advised to stay indoors during the afternoon hours when the weather is most volatile.

Scorching Nights in Capital

Raipur is experiencing "warm night" conditions alongside the heatwave. The capital city is expected to see a maximum temperature of 44°C, with the mercury unlikely to fall below 29°C at night. This offers little relief from the heat for the urban population.

No Immediate Relief in Sight

Despite the rain warning, the outlook remains grim. The Latest News Today suggests that no significant relief from the heatwave is expected for the next five days. The combination of high humidity from the drizzle and extreme heat will make the weather feel more oppressive.

Advisory for Public Safety

Authorities have urged citizens to avoid direct sunlight between 12 PM and 3 PM. With the English News Portal India tracking this Public Interest Story, officials recommend keeping pets indoors and checking on elderly neighbors. "The winds may provide momentary relief, but the heat index remains dangerously high," a state disaster official said.

What Comes Next

The National and International News weather desks predict that the thunderstorm activity will remain isolated. Trending News India suggests that while the rain might settle dust, it will not cool the ground sufficiently. The IMD is monitoring a potential western disturbance that could alter this pattern next week.