The Kanhar River has risen sharply in Balrampur-Ramanujganj district as heavy rain continues in parts of Chhattisgarh, raising concerns of flooding in low-lying areas. Water has reached the CC road in Ward No. 9 of Ramanujganj town after what has been described as the biggest flood-like situation in the area this season. The local administration and municipal authorities have increased vigilance as the river continues to flow strongly.

Rain activity is expected to continue across Chhattisgarh over the next two days. The weather department has forecast light to moderate rain at several places on Wednesday, with heavy showers possible in some areas. Thunderstorms and lightning are also likely at isolated locations. The weather remains active because of a depression over Jharkhand and adjoining northern West Bengal, which is moving west-northwest and influencing rainfall over the region.

The system is expected to move further through Jharkhand and Bihar during the next 24 hours and gradually weaken into a well-marked low-pressure area. Its movement, along with an active monsoon trough, is contributing to the current rainfall pattern in Chhattisgarh. An upper-air cyclonic circulation is also present over eastern Uttar Pradesh and adjoining areas, adding to the weather activity.

In Balrampur, the heavy rain has pushed the Kanhar River close to residential and road areas. Water reaching the CC road in Ward 9 has increased concern among residents living in lower-lying parts of Ramanujganj. Officials and municipal teams are keeping watch on the situation, particularly as further rain could cause the river level to rise again. The exact extent of flooding will depend on rainfall in the river’s catchment areas and the movement of the weather system.

Raipur has also been seeing frequent rain for the past three days. The capital has remained under cloudy conditions, with intermittent showers continuing. On Wednesday, another spell of rain or thunderstorm activity was possible in the city. The maximum temperature was expected to remain around 30 degrees Celsius, while the minimum could stay near 24 degrees.

Across the state, temperatures have remained relatively moderate because of the persistent cloud cover and rainfall. Bilaspur recorded the highest maximum temperature of around 28 degrees Celsius on Wednesday, while Durg recorded the lowest minimum temperature at 21.6 degrees Celsius. The state-wide maximum temperature was around 26 degrees, with the minimum close to 23 degrees.

The weather department has advised caution in areas that receive intense rainfall, particularly where water levels in rivers and streams are already rising. Lightning is another concern during thunderstorms, and people are advised to avoid exposed areas during such spells. In Balrampur-Ramanujganj, the immediate focus remains on monitoring the Kanhar River and keeping residents in vulnerable areas informed.

The rain is expected to continue for at least the next two days, although its intensity may vary from one district to another. For now, the situation in Ramanujganj remains under watch as authorities assess the river level and the possibility of further water entering low-lying areas.

Three days of rain have exposed the poor condition of several roads across Bhopal, with damaged stretches, potholes and loose asphalt creating problems for motorists and pedestrians. Major roads such as Atal Path, Link Road No. 2, MP Nagar and New Market, along with several internal roads in residential areas, have reportedly deteriorated following the recent rainfall.

In several places, the bitumen has come off completely, while large potholes have appeared on roads used by commuters every day. The condition has also triggered criticism from the Congress, which has questioned the quality of road construction and maintenance work and warned of protests against those responsible.

Flyover Road Also Damaged

The condition of the road surface on the Dr Ambedkar (GG) Flyover, one of the city's major elevated road projects, has also come under scrutiny. At some locations, reinforcement bars are reportedly visible through the damaged road surface.

The flyover was constructed at a reported cost of around ₹154 crore. The deterioration following a few days of heavy rainfall has raised questions about the quality and durability of the road work.

Several other roads in the city have also suffered damage. Internal roads in areas including Ashoka Garden, Kailash Nagar, Semra, Shiv Nagar, Ayodhya Bypass, Patel Nagar, Anand Nagar, Arera, Rajiv Nagar, Aishbagh and Bagh Umrao Dulha have reportedly developed potholes and lost portions of their asphalt.

In parts of Ashoka Garden, residents say damaged stretches can be found at frequent intervals, making daily commuting difficult.

Major Roads Show Damage

The condition of some of Bhopal's prominent roads has also deteriorated.

Atal Path, also known as Boulevard Street, was constructed at an estimated cost of around ₹40 crore. The road has reportedly developed damage repeatedly, with maintenance work being undertaken periodically.

On Link Road No. 2, several stretches between Energy Bhawan and Seven Number Square have reportedly developed cracks and damaged surfaces.

Roads around New Market have also deteriorated, with loose gravel visible on the surface. The damaged stretches could increase the risk of vehicles skidding, particularly during wet conditions.

In MP Nagar, large potholes have reportedly appeared beneath and around the metro station area, creating difficulties for commuters.

Kolar Residents Raise Concerns

Road conditions in Kolar have also become a source of public concern.

The Kolar Congress held a protest on Tuesday over the condition of internal roads in Ward 82. Rahul Singh Rathore, president of Kolar Congress, released photographs and videos of the roads in Sarvadharm B Sector and alleged that repeated complaints to municipal officials had not resulted in repairs.

According to Rathore, the main road in the area has developed so many potholes that portions of the road surface are difficult to identify. The potholes have reportedly become deep enough for vehicle wheels to get stuck.

A car was also reported to have become stuck in one of the damaged stretches on Tuesday.

The Congress leader alleged that both elected representatives and officials responsible for the area had failed to address the problem.

Rain Brings Fresh Road Challenges

The road damage comes after heavy rainfall across Bhopal. According to the report, the city received around seven inches of rain in 24 hours, the highest single-day rainfall recorded in the season so far.

The heavy rain brought relief from the prolonged dry spell but also created problems in several parts of the city. More than 50 areas of the old city were reportedly affected by waterlogging, while the Berasia Road was closed temporarily.

Waterlogging was also reported on stretches of VIP Road and the Minal area, while fallen trees added to difficulties for residents.

With more rain possible during the monsoon season, the condition of damaged roads is likely to remain a concern for commuters and civic authorities. The immediate challenge for the municipal administration will be to repair potholes and damaged surfaces while ensuring that temporary patchwork does not deteriorate again with subsequent rainfall.

The monsoon has remained subdued in Rewa district this season, leaving the region with a sharp rainfall deficit and raising concerns among farmers over the health of standing kharif crops.

According to official rainfall data, the district has received an average of 168.4 mm of rainfall between June 1 and August 5, significantly lower than the 583.4 mm recorded during the corresponding period last year. The shortfall of 415 mm has reduced soil moisture levels and increased uncertainty for the ongoing agricultural season.

Rainfall Well Below Last Year's Levels

More than two months into the southwest monsoon season, rainfall in Rewa continues to remain far below normal expectations.

The prolonged dry spell has affected agricultural operations across several parts of the district, with farmers hoping for sustained rainfall in the coming days to protect kharif crops, particularly paddy, which requires consistent moisture during its growth stage.

Gurh Receives Highest Rainfall

On August 5, the district recorded an average rainfall of 10 mm.

Among all tehsils, Gurh received the highest rainfall at 35 mm, while intermittent showers were reported from several other areas. However, officials said the rainfall was insufficient to significantly improve moisture conditions in agricultural fields.

Wide Variation Across Tehsils

Rainfall distribution across Rewa district has remained uneven, with considerable variation among different tehsils.

The cumulative rainfall recorded so far includes:

• Gurh: 356 mm

• Raipur Karchuliyan: 180.7 mm

• Huzur: 177.3 mm

• Semaria: 172 mm

• Sirmour: 160.4 mm

• Jawa: 155 mm

• Mangawan: 92 mm

• Teonthar: 54 mm

The figures indicate that while a few pockets have received moderate rainfall, several regions continue to experience a severe rainfall deficit.

Farmers Await Active Monsoon

The lack of adequate rainfall has reduced moisture in farmlands, making irrigation and crop management increasingly difficult for farmers.

Agriculture experts say continuous rainfall over the next few days will be crucial to minimise damage to kharif crops and restore favourable field conditions. Improved rainfall would also help replenish reservoirs, ponds and other water sources across the district.

With cloud cover persisting over parts of the region, farmers remain hopeful that the monsoon will regain strength and provide much-needed relief during the remainder of the season.

After several days of subdued monsoon activity, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast a fresh spell of heavy rainfall across parts of Madhya Pradesh beginning August 6, as a western disturbance is expected to influence weather conditions over the state.

According to the IMD's Bhopal Meteorological Centre, August 4 and 5 are likely to witness only light rainfall and cloudy conditions across most districts, while widespread heavy showers are expected to resume from Wednesday.

Monsoon Activity Weakens

The state has not witnessed widespread heavy rainfall over the past four days, resulting in a further decline in seasonal rainfall figures.

Meteorological data shows Madhya Pradesh has received 404.2 mm (15.9 inches) of rainfall so far this monsoon season against the normal 482 mm (19 inches) expected by this time. This leaves the state with an overall rainfall deficit of 16 per cent.

On Monday, several districts experienced intermittent showers and overcast skies, while no region reported intense rainfall.

Eastern Region Faces Larger Deficit

Rainfall deficiency remains more pronounced in eastern Madhya Pradesh, where the seasonal shortfall has reached around 20 per cent.

Districts across the Jabalpur, Shahdol, Rewa and Sagar divisions have received below-normal rainfall, with deficits ranging from 1 per cent to 42 per cent. These include Anuppur, Balaghat, Chhatarpur, Chhindwara, Damoh, Dindori, Jabalpur, Katni, Maihar, Mandla, Mauganj, Narsinghpur, Niwari, Pandhurna, Panna, Rewa, Sagar, Satna, Seoni, Shahdol, Sidhi, Singrauli, Tikamgarh and Umaria.

Western MP Also Below Average

Western Madhya Pradesh, including the Bhopal, Indore, Ujjain, Narmadapuram and Gwalior-Chambal divisions, has recorded an average rainfall deficit of around 11 per cent.

Below-normal rainfall has been reported in districts such as Agar Malwa, Alirajpur, Ashoknagar, Betul, Bhopal, Datia, Dhar, Guna, Gwalior, Harda, Jhabua, Morena, Mandsaur, Narmadapuram, Neemuch, Raisen, Rajgarh, Ratlam, Shajapur, Sheopur, Shivpuri, Ujjain and Vidisha.

However, Barwani, Bhind, Burhanpur, Dewas, Indore, Khandwa and Khargone remain among the few districts that have recorded above-normal rainfall this season.

Weather Systems Present, But Weak Impact

The IMD said two cyclonic circulations and an active monsoon trough are currently positioned over the region. However, these systems are not significantly influencing Madhya Pradesh at present, resulting in weak rainfall activity despite favourable atmospheric conditions.

The weather department expects conditions to improve from August 6 as a western disturbance strengthens monsoon circulation over central India.

Rainfall Deficit Increased Despite July Recovery

Officials noted that June ended with a 14 per cent rainfall deficit. Although rainfall activity intensified briefly during early July, the monsoon experienced two prolonged break phases later in the month, limiting overall precipitation.

Even after a stronger system became active during the final week of July, cumulative rainfall remained below normal, with the seasonal deficit widening to 16 per cent by August 3.

Historical August Rainfall Records

August traditionally remains one of the wettest months for Madhya Pradesh.

• Bhopal recorded its wettest August in 2006, receiving nearly 35 inches of rainfall, including around 12 inches in 24 hours on August 14.

• Indore witnessed a record 28 inches of August rainfall in 1944, while its highest 24-hour rainfall of about 10.5 inches was recorded on August 22, 2020.

• Gwalior holds a record of nearly 8.5 inches of rainfall in a single day on August 10, 1927.

• Jabalpur registered an exceptional 44 inches of rainfall during August 1923, including nearly 13 inches in one day.

• Ujjain also experienced record-breaking rainfall in 2006, when around 35 inches of rain was recorded during August.

With August historically delivering some of the season's heaviest rainfall, meteorologists expect the upcoming weather systems to help reduce the current rainfall deficit if they remain active over the state.

Madhya Pradesh has received only 15.4 inches of rainfall so far this monsoon season, falling well short of the seasonal average as rainfall activity remains subdued across large parts of the state. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), 42 districts have recorded below-normal rainfall, while no heavy rainfall alert has been issued for the next two days.

IMD data shows that the state has received around 401.9 mm (15.8 inches) of rainfall against the expected 470.5 mm (18.5 inches) by this stage of the season, leaving Madhya Pradesh with an overall 15% rainfall deficit. Eastern Madhya Pradesh has recorded a 19% shortfall, while western districts remain 11% below normal.

42 Districts Record Rainfall Deficit

The rainfall deficit has affected most parts of the state, including Bhopal, Gwalior, Ujjain, Jabalpur, Rewa, Sagar, Satna, Vidisha, Morena, Guna, Dhar, Ratlam, Ujjain, Raisen, Shivpuri, Neemuch, Mandsaur, Datia, Seoni, Chhindwara, Panna, Sidhi, Singrauli, Mandla, Katni, Narsinghpur, Balaghat and several other districts.

Meanwhile, 13 districts have received above-normal rainfall, including Sehore, Indore, Dewas, Rajgarh, Khandwa, Khargone, Barwani, Burhanpur, Bhind, Umaria, Shahdol, Mauganj and Tikamgarh.

No Heavy Rain Expected for Next Two Days

Meteorologists said the monsoon trough remains active, while two weather systems are influencing conditions over the region. However, neither system is strong enough to trigger widespread heavy rainfall.

As a result, light to moderate showers are expected to continue across different parts of Madhya Pradesh over the next two days, but no heavy rainfall warning has been issued during this period.

The IMD, however, indicated that a fresh western disturbance is likely to become active from August 4, which could strengthen weather systems and bring heavy rainfall to eastern and northern Madhya Pradesh from August 5 onwards.

Sehore Records Highest Rainfall

On Sunday, Sehore reported the most significant rainfall activity in the state, while most other districts witnessed only light showers. The limited rainfall over the past two days has prevented any major improvement in the state's overall monsoon figures.

Current Weather Favourable for Soybean Crop

Agricultural experts believe the current weather pattern is beneficial for soybean cultivation in central Madhya Pradesh.

Senior agricultural scientist S.S. Dhakad from Shajapur said intermittent rainfall across the Indore and Ujjain divisionsis helping soybean crops at their current growth stage. However, crops will require higher moisture levels during grain formation in the coming weeks.

He noted that heavy rainfall in Khandwa, Khargone and Barwani had caused waterlogging in some agricultural fields, resulting in crop damage. At the same time, several paddy-growing regions are still awaiting adequate rainfall to support cultivation.

Rainfall Still Below Seasonal Requirement

Officials noted that June had ended with a 14% rainfall deficit, while July also concluded with rainfall below normal despite brief periods of intense monsoon activity. Although weather systems became active toward the end of July, overall rainfall remained insufficient to eliminate the seasonal shortfall.

With August traditionally being one of Madhya Pradesh's wettest months, meteorologists expect rainfall activity to improve during the first week of the month if the incoming western disturbance strengthens as forecast.

Meta Title

Meta Description

Focus Keywords

Tags

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast light to moderate rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms and lightning across several parts of Chhattisgarh over the next two days, even as flood-like conditions continue to affect multiple districts following persistent monsoon showers.

Heavy rainfall over the past 24 hours has caused rivers and streams to swell, leading to waterlogging, disrupted connectivity and rescue operations in several parts of the state.

BSF Camps Flooded in Narayanpur

One of the most significant incidents was reported from Narayanpur district, where floodwaters submerged multiple Border Security Force (BSF) camps. Security personnel were forced to take shelter on rooftops and trees before being rescued safely.

The rescue operation was later shared by the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) on its official social media platform, confirming that all personnel were evacuated without casualties.

Flood Rescue in Arang

In Arang, floodwaters entered low-lying areas of Nisda village, trapping six members of a family inside their home.

The State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) launched a rescue operation using motorboats and safely evacuated all six residents. Officials said continuous rainfall had caused rapid water accumulation in the area.

Rainfall Likely to Continue

According to IMD, rainfall activity is expected to persist across the state over the next 48 hours.

While widespread heavy rainfall has not been forecast, isolated locations may experience intense showers accompanied by thunderstorms and lightning, prompting authorities to advise residents to remain alert, particularly in flood-prone and low-lying areas.

Two Weather Systems Active

Meteorologists attributed the ongoing rainfall to two active weather systems.

A low-pressure area over southeast Rajasthan and the monsoon trough extending from Jaisalmer through central India to Manipur continue to influence weather conditions across the region.

Additionally, a trough stretching from southwest Rajasthan to northeast Bihar is supporting moisture inflow, sustaining rainfall across Chhattisgarh.

Monsoon Near Normal So Far

Despite recent heavy showers, the state has recorded only a 3% rainfall deficit this monsoon season, keeping overall precipitation close to normal.

Among the districts, Sarangarh-Bilaigarh has recorded the highest rainfall so far with 769.1 mm, which is 76% above normal, making it the wettest district in the state this season.

Rainfall remains normal in 16 districts, while 11 districts continue to record below-normal precipitation.

IMD Sees Better Prospects for Central India

The IMD's seasonal outlook indicates that India may receive below-normal rainfall during August and Septemberdue to strengthening El Niño conditions.

However, central India, including Chhattisgarh, is expected to receive normal to above-normal rainfall, offering hope for agriculture, particularly the state's paddy crop, for which August is considered the most crucial month.

The weather agency also noted that the Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD) remains neutral but could turn positive in September, potentially supporting monsoon activity later in the season.

Raipur Weather

For Raipur, the IMD has forecast partly cloudy skies with chances of thunderstorms and rain on Sunday. The city is expected to record a maximum temperature of 33°C and a minimum of around 26°C.

Authorities have advised residents living near rivers, streams and low-lying areas to remain cautious as rainfall continues across the state.

Despite a strong spell of rain during the final week of July, Madhya Pradesh continues to face a significant rainfall deficit this monsoon season. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the state has received 15.7 inches of rainfall so far, which is 13% below the seasonal average of 18.1 inches.

The rainfall shortfall has prevented major reservoirs from filling up, raising concerns over water availability in the coming months. Several key dams, including Kolar, Bansagar, Kundalia, Barna, Omkareshwar, Indira Sagar, Gandhi Sagar and Tighra, remain less than half full. In contrast, many reservoirs had reached full capacity by the end of July last year.

Currently, only the Satpura Dam in Betul district has opened seven gates, while most other reservoirs continue to hold significantly lower water levels.

43 Districts Receive Below-Normal Rainfall

The IMD data shows that 43 districts have recorded below-normal rainfall this season, including Jabalpur, Gwalior, Sagar, Satna, Vidisha, Ujjain, Ratlam, Raisen, Dhar, Morena, Shivpuri, Betul, Chhindwara, Seoni, Mandla and Singrauli.

Five districts—Rewa, Morena, Sheopur, Datia and Alirajpur—have received less than 10 inches of rainfall, making them the worst affected.

Meanwhile, 12 districts, including Bhopal, Indore, Burhanpur, Khandwa, Khargone, Sehore and Dewas, have recorded above-normal rainfall.

Reservoir Levels Raise Water Supply Concerns

With reservoirs yet to receive adequate inflows, concerns are growing over future drinking water availability. Several towns and cities are already witnessing irregular water supply, and officials fear the situation could worsen if rainfall does not improve significantly during August.

Agriculture Shows Mixed Picture

Senior agricultural scientist Dr. S.S. Dhakad from Shajapur said the current weather is largely favourable for soybean cultivation across the Indore and Ujjain divisions.

He noted that intermittent rainfall has helped crop growth so far, but soybean will require additional moisture during the grain formation stage. However, excessive rainfall in parts of Khandwa, Khargone and Barwani has caused waterlogging, damaging crops in some areas. Paddy cultivation has also not received sufficient rainfall in several districts.

Monsoon Arrived Late This Year

The southwest monsoon reached Madhya Pradesh on June 24, around nine days later than usual. While rainfall improved during July, two prolonged weak phases prevented the state from recovering the deficit created in June.

Rainfall intensified during the third and fourth weeks of July, but it was insufficient to bring the seasonal average back to normal levels.

Heavy Rain Likely to Return

Weather experts expect monsoon activity to strengthen again during the first week of August.

Meteorologist Shailendra Kumar Nayak said another spell of widespread rainfall is likely across the state, with heavier showers expected from August 4 onwards, offering some relief to the rainfall deficit.

Highest and Lowest Rainfall

Among districts, Balaghat has recorded the highest rainfall at nearly 24 inches, although this is still below its seasonal target. Burhanpur has achieved around 77% of its normal monsoon rainfall, the highest proportion in the state.

At the other end, Morena has received only 6.3 inches of rainfall so far, making it the driest district this season.

Rainfall Outlook for Major Cities

• Bhopal: About 19 inches of rainfall recorded; heavier showers expected from August 4.

• Indore: Around 17.5 inches of rainfall; western districts continue to perform better than average.

• Jabalpur: Received 16.3 inches of rainfall, approximately 44% of the seasonal target.

• Ujjain: Around 15.7 inches of rainfall, with nearby Dewas emerging among the wettest districts.

• Gwalior: Rainfall has improved in recent weeks, and another active spell is forecast during the coming week.

 Madhya Pradesh completed its overall rainfall quota for July despite two prolonged monsoon breaks during the month. However, deficient rainfall in June continues to weigh on the seasonal figures, leaving the state with 13 per cent below-normal rainfall so far this monsoon.

According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), 42 of the state's 55 districts have received less than normal rainfall till the end of July. Weather officials have indicated that widespread heavy rainfall is unlikely over the next four days, although rainfall activity is expected to continue at several places across the state.

July Compensates for Weak June

The state witnessed two active weather systems during the last week of July, which helped improve the monthly rainfall figures after two lengthy dry spells earlier in the season. Even so, the cumulative seasonal rainfall remains below normal because June ended with a 14 per cent rainfall deficit.

As of August 1, Madhya Pradesh has recorded an average of 390.3 mm (15.4 inches) of rainfall against the normal 448.4 mm (17.6 inches), resulting in a deficit of nearly 58 mm, or 13 per cent.

Eastern Madhya Pradesh has received 15 per cent less rainfall than normal, while western parts of the state are reporting an 11 per cent shortfall.

Heavy Rain Unlikely for Next Four Days

The IMD said the three strong weather systems responsible for widespread rainfall over the past two days are gradually weakening. As a result, the intensity of rainfall is expected to reduce across the state over the next four days.

While isolated light to moderate showers are likely to continue, officials have not forecast widespread heavy rainfall during this period. However, meteorologists said the situation could change if new weather systems develop over central India during the coming days.

Khargone, Ratlam Receive Significant Rain

Khargone district recorded nearly 2.2 inches of rainfall during the past 24 hours. Jhirnya received the highest rainfall at 3.8 inches, followed by Gogawan (3.5 inches), Kasrawad (3.1 inches), Maheshwar (2.6 inches), Segaon (1.9 inches), Bhikangaon and Sanawad (around 1.8–1.9 inches), Barwah (1.7 inches), while Khargone town recorded 1.3 inches.

In Ratlam, intermittent rainfall continued on Saturday morning, taking the season's total rainfall to over 13 inches. The city's Hanuman Tal has filled up following continuous showers. However, rainfall remains considerably lower than last year, when the district had received nearly 22 inches by the same period.

District-Wise Rainfall Picture

Only 13 districts have recorded above-normal rainfall so far this season, including Indore, Sehore, Rajgarh, Khargone, Dewas, Burhanpur, Khandwa, Barwani, Bhind, Shahdol, Umaria, Tikamgarh and Mauganj.

The remaining 42 districts, including Bhopal, Gwalior, Jabalpur, Ujjain, Sagar, Ratlam, Mandsaur, Vidisha, Raisen, Narmadapuram, Dhar, Neemuch, Morena and Shivpuri, continue to report rainfall below the seasonal average.

August Expected to Improve Monsoon Performance

Meteorologists remain optimistic that rainfall during August, traditionally the wettest month in Madhya Pradesh, will help reduce the seasonal deficit. Historically, several major cities—including Bhopal, Indore, Jabalpur, Gwalior and Ujjain—receive a substantial share of their annual rainfall during August.

With the state's average annual rainfall standing at 37.3 inches, weather officials expect fresh monsoon systems during the month to improve the overall seasonal rainfall position.

The first spell of heavy monsoon rain exposed the city's drainage vulnerabilities on Saturday night as nearly an hour of intense rainfall led to widespread waterlogging across several parts of Rewa, disrupting traffic and raising fresh questions over the Municipal Corporation's monsoon preparedness.

Several low-lying localities, including Uparhati, Tarhati, Nehru Nagar and Sirmaur Chowk, witnessed severe water accumulation after the downpour. Roads resembled ponds in many areas, forcing commuters and pedestrians to wade through knee-deep water while traffic movement remained slow for several hours.

Nehru Nagar Worst Affected

Nehru Nagar emerged as one of the worst-hit localities, where clogged drains prevented rainwater from flowing out, causing it to spill onto roads.

Residents said the waterlogging became so severe that it was difficult to distinguish between the road and open drains, posing a safety risk to pedestrians.

Locals alleged that the problem recurs every monsoon despite repeated complaints to civic authorities and that no permanent drainage solution has been implemented so far.

Waterlogging Disrupts Traffic

Heavy rain also inundated roads in Uparhati, Tarhati and Sirmaur Chowk, affecting vehicular movement across several stretches of the city.

Two-wheeler riders faced particular difficulty as several vehicles stalled in waterlogged areas, while many commuters were forced to take alternate routes to avoid submerged roads.

The water remained on several roads even after the rain had stopped, leading to prolonged traffic congestion.

Questions Over Monsoon Preparedness

The latest spell of rain has once again put the Rewa Municipal Corporation's pre-monsoon preparations under scrutiny.

Before the onset of the rainy season, civic authorities had claimed that drains had been cleaned and arrangements made to ensure smooth water drainage. However, Saturday's rainfall exposed shortcomings in the city's drainage infrastructure, with multiple neighbourhoods experiencing significant flooding after just one hour of rain.

Residents argued that timely desilting of drains and strengthening of the drainage network could have prevented such extensive waterlogging.

Civic Teams Deployed

Municipal Commissioner Akshat Jain said civic teams were rushed to affected locations immediately after reports of waterlogging were received.

According to the commissioner, workers cleared blocked drains and facilitated the drainage of accumulated rainwater in several areas.

He added that the Municipal Corporation would conduct technical surveys at locations that experience recurring waterlogging to identify long-term engineering solutions.

Residents Seek Permanent Solution

Citizens have urged the Municipal Corporation to implement a lasting solution rather than temporary measures every monsoon.

Residents warned that if the city's drainage system is not upgraded before heavier rainfall in the coming weeks, waterlogging could become more severe, affecting public safety and daily life.

With the monsoon season gathering pace, civic authorities are expected to face increasing pressure to improve drainage infrastructure and prevent repeated flooding across the city.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Madhya Pradesh is witnessing a significant rainfall deficit after nearly a week of subdued monsoon activity, with 35 districts reporting below-normal rainfall and several eastern regions facing dry conditions. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the state has received 241.8 mm of rainfall so far this monsoon season, around 11% below the normal average of 270.3 mm.

The rainfall shortfall has been particularly severe across eastern Madhya Pradesh, including the Jabalpur, Rewa, Sagar and Shahdol divisions, where precipitation is reported to be 24% below normal. In contrast, western districts such as Bhopal, Indore, Ujjain, Narmadapuram and the Gwalior-Chambal region have recorded rainfall close to or slightly above seasonal averages.

New Weather Systems May Revive Monsoon

Meteorologists expect monsoon conditions to improve from July 19, with a fresh Western Disturbance forecast to become active over northwest India. Simultaneously, a developing weather system over the Bay of Bengal, supported by an active cyclonic circulation, is expected to strengthen rainfall activity across Madhya Pradesh during the second half of July.

According to IMD, the interaction of these systems could trigger a fresh spell of moderate to heavy rainfall across large parts of the state.

Light Rain Forecast for Several Districts Today

For Thursday, the weather department has forecast light rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms in several districts, including Indore, Jhabua, Alirajpur, Dhar, Burhanpur, Barwani, Khandwa, Khargone, Narmadapuram, Betul, Harda, Bhind, Datia, Jabalpur, Katni, Narsinghpur, Chhindwara, Pandhurna, Seoni, Balaghat, Mandla, Dindori, Rewa, Satna, Sidhi, Singrauli, Mauganj, Maihar, Shahdol, Umaria, Anuppur, Panna, Damoh, Chhatarpur, Tikamgarh and Niwari.

Meanwhile, districts including Morena, Gwalior, Sheopur, Shivpuri, Guna, Ashoknagar, Vidisha, Sagar, Raisen, Bhopal, Sehore, Rajgarh, Shajapur, Dewas, Ujjain, Agar Malwa, Ratlam, Neemuch and Mandsaur are likely to experience warm and humid weather with limited rainfall activity.

Eastern Region Remains a Concern

Weather expert Shailendra Kumar Nayak said that while the overall monsoon situation across Madhya Pradesh remains satisfactory, the persistent rainfall deficit in eastern districts has become a matter of concern for agriculture and water resources.

He noted that the movement and intensity of the upcoming low-pressure system would determine how quickly monsoon activity regains momentum across the state. If weather conditions remain favourable, most regions of Madhya Pradesh could witness a stronger phase of rainfall during the second fortnight of July.

July Crucial for Seasonal Rainfall

July traditionally contributes nearly 40% of Madhya Pradesh's annual monsoon rainfall, making the current slowdown significant. The state's average annual rainfall stands at 37.3 inches, with major cities such as Bhopal, Indore, Jabalpur and Gwalior generally receiving between 38 and 39 inches during the season.

Among districts, Dewas has emerged as the state's wettest so far, recording rainfall 102% above normal, while Alirajpur has received only around 2.25 inches, marking a 74% rainfall deficit.

Historically, cities such as Jabalpur, Bhopal and Indore receive substantial rainfall during July, and meteorologists believe the upcoming weather systems could help narrow the current deficit if widespread showers materialise in the coming days.

The southwest monsoon is expected to regain momentum across Chhattisgarh from Wednesday after a two-day dry spell, with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasting light to moderate rainfall across many districts and heavy showers, thunderstorms and lightning at isolated locations.

Cloudy skies prevailed over Raipur on Wednesday morning, with light drizzle reported from parts of the city. Weather officials said rainfall activity is likely to intensify across the state as fresh monsoon systems become active.

Rainfall Activity Set to Increase

According to the IMD, several districts are likely to receive light to moderate rainfall, while isolated areas may witness heavy rain accompanied by thunderstorms and lightning over the coming days.

Raipur is expected to remain cloudy throughout the day, with intermittent rain and thunderstorms. The city is likely to record a maximum temperature of around 35°C and a minimum of 27°C.

State Witnessed 48-Hour Dry Spell

The weather department said no rainfall was recorded anywhere in Chhattisgarh during the past 48 hours, marking an unusual dry phase for July, traditionally the state's wettest month.

Meteorologists attributed the dry conditions to a 'break monsoon', a phenomenon in which the monsoon trough weakens and rain-bearing systems shift away from central India, temporarily reducing rainfall activity.

Officials said the weather pattern is now changing, with fresh systems expected to revive rainfall across the region.

Rainfall Still 29% Below Normal

Despite forecasts of improved rainfall, Chhattisgarh continues to face a significant seasonal rainfall deficit.

Between June 1 and July 14, the state received 29 per cent less rainfall than normal, according to IMD data.

Out of the state's 32 districts, rainfall remains below normal in 16 districts, while 14 districts have recorded near-normal precipitation. Only one district has reported rainfall categorised as significantly above normal.

Sarangarh-Bilaigarh Records Highest Rainfall

Sarangarh-Bilaigarh has emerged as the state's wettest district this monsoon season, recording 462.5 mm of rainfall, nearly 74 per cent above the normal average of 265.7 mm.

Mungeli has also received above-normal rainfall, registering 331.8 mm, approximately 21 per cent higher than the seasonal average.

Several districts, including Balod, Baloda Bazar, Balrampur, Dantewada, Durg, Gariaband, Janjgir-Champa, Khairagarh-Chhuikhadan-Gandai, Korba, Mahasamund, Narayanpur, Raipur, Rajnandgaon, Sakti and Bilaspur, have recorded rainfall ranging from near-normal to moderately deficient levels.

July Rain Crucial for Kharif Crops

Agriculture experts note that the first half of July is the most critical period for sowing kharif crops, particularly paddy.

Below-normal rainfall in several districts could affect sowing operations and the initial growth of crops if rainfall does not improve in the coming days.

With the monsoon expected to become active again, farmers are hoping the upcoming showers will help bridge the rainfall deficit and improve soil moisture across agricultural regions.

Weather officials have advised residents to remain alert during thunderstorms and avoid open areas during lightning activity.