Madhya Pradesh is likely to see another spell of heavy rain from Wednesday as monsoon activity shifts towards the central, western and northern parts of the state. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an orange alert for extremely heavy rainfall in Bhind, Datia and Sagar for August 26, while several other districts have been warned of heavy rain.

The state has received around 648.7 mm (25.5 inches) of rainfall so far this monsoon season, which is about 68% of the seasonal quota. However, rainfall remains around 11% below normal, with 40 districts recording below-average rainfall and only 15 districts receiving more than their normal rainfall so far.

Heavy Rain Alert for 3 Districts

According to the IMD, extremely heavy rainfall is possible in Bhind, Datia and Sagar on Wednesday. Heavy rainfall has also been forecast for Gwalior, Shivpuri, Guna, Ashoknagar, Vidisha, Raisen, Sehore, Shajapur, Rajgarh, Agar-Malwa, Ujjain, Tikamgarh, Chhatarpur, Panna, Satna, Damoh, Maihar and Seoni.

Several other districts, including Bhopal, Indore, Dhar, Alirajpur, Burhanpur, Barwani, Khandwa, Khargone, Jhabua, Neemuch, Mandsaur, Dewas, Ratlam, Narmadapuram, Betul, Harda, Morena, Sheopur, Jabalpur, Katni, Chhindwara, Narsinghpur, Balaghat, Mandla, Dindori, Pandhurna, Rewa, Sidhi, Singrauli, Mauganj, Shahdol, Umaria, Anuppur and Niwari, may also receive rain ranging from light to heavy.

Bhopal Among Rain-Affected Areas

Bhopal is also expected to receive rain as the monsoon system becomes more active over central Madhya Pradesh. The shift follows a period during which eastern parts of the state received more rainfall activity.

Weather experts have indicated that rainfall activity could continue across several districts for the next few days as the prevailing weather system remains active.

State Still 11% Below Normal

Madhya Pradesh has recorded 648.7 mm of rainfall against the normal 727.9 mm expected by this stage of the monsoon season. This means the state is around 3.1 inches short of its normal rainfall at this point.

The eastern region, covering divisions such as Jabalpur, Rewa, Sagar and Shahdol, has also experienced rainfall deficiencies in several districts. The western region has reported below-normal rainfall across a number of districts as well.

Despite the deficit, rainfall in some districts has exceeded their respective averages.

15 Districts Above Average

According to the available IMD data, Anuppur, Dindori, Niwari, Satna, Shahdol, Sidhi, Singrauli, Umaria, Bhind, Bhopal, Burhanpur, Guna, Gwalior, Khargone and Rajgarh have recorded rainfall above their respective normal levels.

The distribution remains uneven, however, with several districts still facing deficits ranging from a few percentage points to nearly half of their normal rainfall.

June Deficit Yet to Recover

The monsoon began with a rainfall deficit in June, when Madhya Pradesh received around 14% less rain than normal. Rainfall improved during July, helping the state meet the month's overall quota, but subsequent breaks in monsoon activity prevented the June shortfall from being fully recovered.

The state's normal seasonal rainfall is around 37.3 inches, while Bhopal, Indore, Jabalpur and Gwalior generally receive around 38-39 inches during the full monsoon season.

The latest spell of rain could provide some relief to districts still facing a rainfall deficit, although the overall seasonal distribution will depend on how the monsoon performs during the remaining weeks.

BHOPAL: The monsoon has picked up pace again across Madhya Pradesh with the beginning of the Shravan month, and the next 48 hours could bring intense rainfall to several parts of the state. Three weather systems are currently active, prompting the weather department to issue warnings for heavy to very heavy rain, particularly across western and central Madhya Pradesh. Indore and Ujjain divisions are expected to remain among the most affected areas on Friday and Saturday. According to weather officials, moisture is continuously entering the state from the Arabian Sea and the Bay of Bengal due to the active systems, creating favourable conditions for widespread rainfall. Several districts witnessed good rain on the first day of Shravan itself, including Indore, Ujjain, Dhar, Ratlam, Jhabua, Betul and Bhopal. Waterlogging was reported from some places following continuous showers. In Betul district, the rain also turned fatal when a railway boundary wall collapsed on a hut, killing a young man. Local authorities reached the spot and started relief operations. With more rain expected, people have been advised to stay away from dilapidated structures, kutcha houses and overflowing rivers and drains.

The weather department has issued a very heavy rainfall alert for Ratlam, Jhabua, Alirajpur and Dhar districts. Heavy rain is also expected in Neemuch, Agar Malwa, Ujjain, Dewas, Barwani, Khargone, Burhanpur and Chhindwara. Bhopal, Vidisha, Raisen and nearby areas are also likely to receive intermittent showers. Officials have warned that some places could receive a large amount of rainfall within a short period, increasing the possibility of overflowing streams and waterlogging in low-lying areas. Residents in vulnerable locations have been asked to remain particularly cautious and avoid unnecessary travel during spells of intense rain. The administration has also advised people to keep track of weather warnings and follow instructions issued by local authorities. For farmers, the fresh spell could provide much-needed moisture for kharif crops, although excessive rainfall could create another problem if water remains accumulated in fields for long periods. The situation will therefore depend on how intense and concentrated the rain becomes over the next two days.

Madhya Pradesh has so far received an average of around 14.7 inches of rainfall during the current monsoon season, which is approximately 2.5 inches below the normal average, according to the figures provided. As many as 47 districts have recorded below-normal rainfall so far, though the picture is different in some parts of the state. Bhopal, Indore, Burhanpur, Bhind, Dewas, Mandsaur, Sehore and Rajgarh have already received above-normal rainfall. With the Madhya Pradesh monsoon systems remaining active, the weather department expects the rainfall deficit to reduce if the current spell continues in the coming days. Meanwhile, persistent showers have begun affecting normal life in several cities. Roads have turned slippery, traffic has slowed at some locations and movement on kutcha roads in rural areas has become difficult. Heavy rain could also affect electricity and drinking water arrangements in vulnerable locations. Concerned departments have been kept on alert so that emergency situations can be handled quickly. District-level control rooms and disaster management teams have also been asked to remain prepared as the state enters another active phase of the monsoon.

The southwest monsoon remained active across large parts of the country on Thursday, triggering floods, waterlogging and landslides in several states. Assam reported the highest loss of life over the past 24 hours, while heavy rainfall continued to affect Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh and the Himalayan region, prompting weather alerts from the India Meteorological Department (IMD).

According to the Assam State Disaster Management Authority (ASDMA), 10 people died in flood-related incidents during the last 24 hours, taking the total flood death toll in the state this year to 41. More than 6.53 lakh people across 11 districts remain affected as swollen rivers continue to inundate villages, damage infrastructure and disrupt daily life. Relief and rescue operations are underway in several flood-hit areas.

In Uttar Pradesh, continuous rainfall over recent days has pushed several rivers close to or above danger levels. The Sharda River in Lakhimpur Kheri is flowing above the danger mark, leading to flooding in villages along its banks. Reports of crocodiles entering roads and agricultural fields from overflowing rivers have also emerged, prompting local authorities to issue precautionary advisories. Weather warnings remain in place for multiple districts as authorities monitor the evolving situation.

Madhya Pradesh is also witnessing an active monsoon spell due to multiple weather systems operating simultaneously. The IMD has forecast heavy rainfall in several districts, with the possibility of localized flooding, waterlogging and disruption of road traffic. Residents in vulnerable areas have been advised to remain alert as rainfall activity is expected to continue over the next 24 to 48 hours.

In Jammu and Kashmir, two people, a mother and her son, died after being swept away by floodwaters in Bandipora district while reportedly collecting firewood near a stream. Local authorities recovered the bodies and urged residents to avoid venturing near swollen streams and rivers during periods of intense rainfall.

The impact of the monsoon was visible in several other states as well. In Chhattisgarh, authorities opened the gates of the Minimata Bango Dam following rising water levels. In Bihar, erosion along the banks of the Kosi River continued to threaten nearby settlements, while Himachal Pradesh reported fresh landslides that disrupted traffic on highways in hilly areas. Rescue and restoration teams have been deployed in affected regions to clear debris and restore connectivity.

The IMD has forecast that active monsoon conditions will persist across large parts of the country over the next two days. For July 24, heavy rainfall is expected over Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh and parts of Central India, while thunderstorms accompanied by lightning are likely in parts of Rajasthan. Yellow alerts have also been issued for several northeastern and eastern states, including Assam, Meghalaya, Bihar, Jharkhand and Odisha.

On July 25, the weather department has predicted heavy rainfall over Madhya Pradesh, Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Jammu and Kashmir, Jharkhand and several northeastern states. Thunderstorms with lightning are also expected in parts of Chhattisgarh and East Rajasthan.

The IMD has advised residents in flood-prone and landslide-prone areas to remain cautious, avoid unnecessary travel during periods of intense rainfall and follow advisories issued by local administrations. Authorities across affected states have also appealed to people living near rivers and low-lying areas to stay alert as water levels continue to fluctuate.

The southwest monsoon has intensified across Madhya Pradesh, triggering widespread rainfall and significantly improving weather conditions across the state. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), more than 35 districts received rainfall during the past 24 hours, with moisture-laden winds from both the Arabian Sea and the Bay of Bengal continuing to fuel the active monsoon system.

The highest rainfall was recorded in Narmadapuram, where 4.2 inches of rain was measured. The persistent showers have brought relief from humid conditions but have also led to waterlogging in several urban areas. Weather officials have issued a heavy to very heavy rainfall alert for multiple districts over the next two days and advised residents to remain cautious.

Narmadapuram Tops Rainfall Chart

Besides Narmadapuram, several districts witnessed substantial rainfall during the last 24 hours. Narsinghpur received 2.5 inches, followed by Rajgarh (2.4 inches), Sehore and Malajkhand (2.2 inches each), and Bhopal (2.1 inches).

Moderate to heavy rainfall was also recorded in Pachmarhi and Mandla (1.8 inches each), Sheopur (1.5 inches), Seoni (1.3 inches), and Khargone (1.1 inches).

Rain and gusty winds were also reported from Umaria, Chhindwara, Shivpuri, Tikamgarh, Khandwa, Chhatarpur, Satna, Betul, Damoh, Jabalpur, Indore, Ratlam, Datia, Ujjain, Dhar, Sidhi, Gwalior, Sagar, Shajapur, Vidisha, Dewas, Agar Malwa, Barwani and Burhanpur, among other districts.

Why the Monsoon Is So Active

Meteorologist Shailendra Kumar Nayak said the southwest monsoon has regained strength due to a combination of favourable atmospheric conditions. A low-pressure system, continuous moisture inflow, and widespread cloud cover have created ideal conditions for sustained rainfall across the state.

Moisture levels have remained exceptionally high, with relative humidity ranging between 75% and 95% in many regions. This has helped thunderclouds develop rapidly, resulting in repeated spells of rain.

Southwest and west-southwest winds blowing at 10 to 20 kmph, with gusts reaching 30 to 40 kmph in isolated areas, are transporting abundant moisture from the Arabian Sea and the Bay of Bengal, further strengthening the monsoon activity.

Cooler Temperatures Bring Relief

Continuous rainfall has led to a noticeable drop in temperatures across Madhya Pradesh. Minimum temperatures in most cities remained between 22°C and 26°C, providing welcome relief from heat and humidity.

Morning weather remained cool and pleasant across both eastern and western parts of the state, while cloudy skies persisted throughout the day in several districts.

Heavy Rain Alert for Next 48 Hours

The IMD has forecast that the active monsoon conditions will continue over the next 24 to 48 hours. Heavy to very heavy rainfall is likely in Bhopal, Narmadapuram, Jabalpur, Sagar, Rewa, Shahdol, Mandla, Dindori, Chhindwara, Betul, and adjoining districts.

Authorities have advised residents living near rivers, streams, and low-lying areas to remain alert due to the possibility of waterlogging and a sudden rise in water levels. People have also been urged to avoid unnecessary travel during periods of intense rainfall and to follow local weather advisories.

Historic July Rainfall Records

July remains the wettest month for most parts of Madhya Pradesh, with several cities having recorded remarkable rainfall over the decades.

Indore witnessed its highest 24-hour rainfall of 11.5 inches on 27 July 1913, while Bhopal recorded nearly 41 inches of rainfall during July 1986. The capital's all-time highest single-day July rainfall remains 11 inches, recorded on 22 July 1973.

Jabalpur has historically received the highest monthly rainfall among the state's major cities, with nearly 45 inches recorded in 1930, while Gwalior, comparatively drier, has an average July rainfall of around 9 inches.

With the monsoon now fully active and moisture-rich weather systems continuing to influence central India, meteorologists expect rainfall activity to remain widespread over the coming days.

Rapid Onset Brings Mixed Relief Across India

The southwest monsoon has made an unusually swift push into multiple parts of the country, covering 13 states within five days of its onset in Kerala. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the system entered Telangana on Monday and continues to gain ground, bringing much-needed rain to several regions even as heatwave conditions persist in parts of the northwest.

Pre-Monsoon Activity Intensifies in Central India

Several districts in Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh witnessed significant pre-monsoon activity on Monday. Bhopal received moderate rainfall accompanied by strong winds in the evening, providing temporary respite from the summer heat. In Uttar Pradesh, heavy showers lashed Gorakhpur and Jalaun, with reports of waterlogging in low-lying areas. Local residents in Bhopal stepped out with umbrellas as sudden downpours caught many by surprise late Monday.

Strong Winds and Dust Storms Hit Rajasthan

Parts of Rajasthan experienced fierce dust storms with wind speeds reaching between 60 and 120 kmph. Despite the gusty conditions, a heatwave alert remains active in the western districts. Sri Ganganagar recorded a scorching 45.6°C on Monday, while Phalodi, Jaisalmer, and Bikaner hovered around 44°C. The IMD has warned of continued heatwave conditions in the region for the next two to three days.

Red Alert for Heavy Rainfall in South

The monsoon’s progress has prompted a red alert for heavy rainfall across Kerala and in two districts of Karnataka. Officials have advised residents to stay alert for possible flooding and landslides in vulnerable areas. The system, which arrived in Kerala on June 4 — three days later than normal — has accelerated northward and eastward at a notable pace.

Monsoon Nears Mumbai, Eyes Further Advance

Along the west coast, the monsoon is now just about 150 km away from Mumbai and is expected to reach the financial capital within the next 48 hours. The normal arrival date for Mumbai is June 10. IMD officials indicated that the system is likely to advance into Karnataka, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, and remaining parts of the Northeast in the coming two to three days. Further progression into Odisha, Chhattisgarh, West Bengal, and Sikkim is also anticipated soon.

Northern Heat Persists Amid Fresh Outlook

Meanwhile, heat has intensified again in northern India. Delhi recorded a maximum temperature of 43.4°C on Monday, with Safdarjung at 42.2°C — about 2°C above normal. The IMD has issued heatwave alerts for eight states. However, a fresh western disturbance is expected to bring some relief from June 11 onwards, with rain and thunderstorms likely in Delhi, Haryana, Punjab, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh.

Weather Outlook for Coming Days

For Tuesday, thunderstorms and rain are forecast across Bihar, Jharkhand, Odisha, West Bengal, and the northeastern states. Heavy rainfall may occur at isolated places in several northeastern states. Winds of 40-60 kmph could sweep across Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh. On Wednesday, hailstorms are possible alongside rain in Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and Jammu & Kashmir, while heavy rain is likely to continue over Kerala, Karnataka, and the Northeast.

The fast-moving monsoon this season has generated a mix of reactions on the ground. Farmers in rain-fed regions have welcomed the early showers, hoping for better sowing conditions, while urban centres are bracing for waterlogging and traffic disruptions. Authorities in high-risk areas have been asked to remain on high alert.

The IMD continues to monitor the situation closely. While the rapid advance is positive for overall seasonal rainfall prospects, the simultaneous occurrence of heavy rain in the south and extreme heat in the west highlights the variable nature of this year’s monsoon. Further updates are expected as the system progresses deeper into the country.

MP Braces for Hail & Rain as Summer Takes a Break

IMD issues alert for 17 districts on Friday; Bhopal reports uprooted trees as unseasonal weather likely to continue until May 4.

Just as summer was beginning to tighten its grip, a string of unseasonal rains, hailstorms, and intense squalls has thrown normal life out of gear across large swathes of Madhya Pradesh. The weather turned dramatically on Thursday, with reports of hail in Umaria and Morena, while a fierce dust storm in the capital city, Bhopal, uprooted trees in several areas, including Kolar Road.

A Break From Scorching Heat

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has now issued a fresh alert for Friday. Officials say 17 districts, primarily in the northern and eastern parts of the state, are likely to witness more of the same. The list includes Gwalior, Bhind, Datia, Tikamgarh, Chhatarpur, Sidhi, Singrauli, and Balaghat, among others.

For residents who were bracing for the usual peak summer heat, this has come as a definite, albeit chaotic, relief. The downpour on Thursday wasn’t limited to one region. From Satna to Sheopur and Raisen, the story was similar—dark clouds, gusty winds, and a sudden drop in temperature.

Bhopal: Overnight Chaos

The situation in Bhopal remained tense late into the night. The sudden squall that hit the city during the evening hours was strong enough to snap branches and bring down entire trees, blocking roads in several residential colonies. Fire brigade personnel were seen clearing the wreckage past midnight.

Sources familiar with the weather patterns said this is not just a passing spell. "A fresh Western Disturbance is set to become active over the Western Himalayan region starting May 2. Its impact will likely be felt across the state for at least four more days," an official tracking the system explained.

Hail And Disrupted Markets

Ground-level cues from the districts paint a vivid picture. In Umaria, shopkeepers scrambled to cover their goods as a sudden hailstorm flooded the main bazaar, leaving significant stock damaged. Similarly, in Tikamgarh, the rains were accompanied by a thick blanket of hail, turning roads white for a brief period. In a lighter but telling moment from Gwalior, footage showed the DJ shade at Hotel Radhika Vilas flying away in the strong wind.

What to Expect Until May 4

The IMD’s forecast suggests that this wet spell will continue to defy the standard summer trajectory. While districts like Bhopal, Indore, Ujjain, and Jabalpur are expected to remain relatively dry during the day—with heat prevailing—the evenings could bring nasty surprises. "There is a possibility of strong winds and thunder showers in the evening hours even in the western parts," the bulletin added.

Conversely, the alert remains in place for the Gwalior-Chambal and Mahakoshal regions through Friday.

Heat vs. Hail: A May Anomaly?

Data from the past decade shows that May is usually unforgiving. Bhopal recorded its all-time high of 46.7 degrees in 2016. Yet, interestingly, the city has seen some rainfall every single May between 2014 and 2023. Indore saw three inches of rain just last year.

However, the intensity of this current system—covering 17 districts simultaneously with hail—is slightly unusual for the first week of May.

Advisory Issued

Paradoxically, even as the IMD issues rain alerts, they have also released a heat advisory for the regions not getting rainfall. Officials have urged citizens to avoid stepping out between noon and 3 PM, keep themselves hydrated, and wear light cotton clothing. "The moment the clouds clear, the heat index spikes dangerously," a medical officer warned.

With the system expected to remain active until May 4, residents are advised to keep an eye on local weather updates and secure loose objects on their rooftops. For now, Madhya Pradesh remains stuck between a heatwave and a hailstorm.