The southwest monsoon has accelerated its advance, reaching central and southern districts. Officials expect the remaining areas to be covered within 24 hours.

The southwest monsoon has picked up pace across Chhattisgarh, covering the central and southern parts of the state. Officials said the remaining northern and north-western districts are likely to receive monsoon showers within the next 24 hours.

The India Meteorological Department has issued a warning for thunderstorms and lightning strikes across several parts of the state for the next two days.

On Wednesday, Dantewada and Raigarh districts recorded heavy rainfall. But despite the showers, Bilaspur remained the hottest city in the state at 39 degrees Celsius, while Rajnandgaon recorded the lowest minimum temperature at 22 degrees.

Here's the catch — the monsoon arrived nearly a week late this year, and the deficit tells the story. Between June 1 and now, Chhattisgarh should have received 127.8 mm of rainfall. The actual figure? Just 44.8 mm. That's a shortfall of nearly 65 per cent.

18 Districts Covered So Far

Monsoon has officially arrived in these districts:

Raipur, Durg, Dhamtari, Gariaband, Mahasamund, Balodabazar, Bemetara, Kabirdham, Rajnandgaon, Mohla-Manpur-Ambagarh Chowki, Khairagarh-Chhuikhadan-Gandai, Kanker, Kondagaon, Narayanpur, Bastar, Dantewada, Sukma, Bijapur.

These Districts Are Still Waiting

Surguja, Surajpur, Balrampur, Korea, Manendragarh-Chirmiri-Bharatpur, Jashpur, Korba, Gaurela-Pendra-Marwahi, Bilaspur, Mungeli, Janjgir-Champa, Sakti, Sarangarh-Bilaigarh, Raigarh.

Pre-monsoon showers are occurring in these areas, but the IMD has not officially declared the monsoon's arrival there yet.

Bastar Best Placed, But Still Behind

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

- 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: 25.3 mm against a normal of 90.1 mm — 72% deficit

- Dhamtari: 34.2 mm against 112.6 mm

- Durg: 34.2 mm against 113.9 mm

- Mahasamund: 20.7 mm against 105.4 mm

- Balodabazar: Just 14 mm against 81.3 mm

Several Districts Face 80%+ Deficit

- Rajnandgaon: 8.3 mm against 100.3 mm — a staggering 92% deficit (worst affected)

- Mohla-Manpur-Chowki: 95% deficit

- Balodabazar and Sarangarh-Bilaigarh: 83% below normal

- Sakti: 83% deficit

The Next 10 Days Could Make or Break the Season

These numbers aren't just statistics. The delayed and weak monsoon has meant that most districts haven't received enough soil moisture for sowing. Farmers across the state are watching the skies, 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 weather department has forecast thunderstorms and lightning across the state for the next five days. If heavy rain covers the entire state in these remaining days of June, the deficit could reduce rapidly.

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.

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.

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

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

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

Heatwave Alert in 4 Districts

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

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

Rain and Thunderstorm Alert in 30 Districts

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

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

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

Kharif Sowing Affected

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

Monsoon Entry Expected in 2-3 Days

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

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

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

Why the Deficit?

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

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

A farmer in Barwani was hospitalised on Friday after his banana plantation spread across nine acres was flattened by severe winds and rain, even as over 200 farmers in neighbouring Khargone blocked the Khandwa–Baroda Highway demanding canal water. With the monsoon running nearly 10 days late, Madhya Pradesh is staring at a deepening farm crisis just as the Kharif sowing season gets underway.

The state has recorded a 39% rainfall deficit so far this season, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD). While scattered thunderstorms have brought some relief to parts of western MP, the absence of widespread rain has left fields parched and farmers anxious.

Barwani: ₹36 lakh loss, farmer's health deteriorates

In Khadki village of Barwani district, brothers Ambaram and Gangaram watched helplessly as their ready-to-harvest banana crop was flattened by strong winds accompanied by unseasonal rain. Around 1,500 banana plants were destroyed.

The brothers had invested nearly ₹14 lakh in the plantation and estimate their total losses at approximately ₹36 lakh. Ambaram's health deteriorated sharply after the crop was destroyed, forcing his family to rush him to the Rajpur Health Centre.

The family has urged the district administration to conduct an immediate damage assessment and provide compensation.

Khargone: Farmers block highway, bullock carts parked on road

In Khargone district, the delayed monsoon has dried up the Veda, Kunda and Kharak rivers, worsening the water crisis for agriculture. On Friday morning, more than 200 farmers parked bullock carts across the Khandwa–Baroda Highway around 11:30 am, blocking traffic for several hours. Long queues of vehicles formed on both sides as protesters demanded the release of canal water for irrigation. Officials said they were attempting to pacify the agitators while assessing the situation.

Sowing delayed as soil moisture remains inadequate

The absence of adequate rainfall has significantly delayed the sowing of key Kharif crops, including soybean, urad, moong and tur. S.S. Dhakad, Senior Scientist at the Shajapur Krishi Vigyan Kendra, said fields require at least 100 mm (4 inches) of rainfall to achieve sufficient soil moisture for sowing.

He warned that in districts where farmers have already sown soybean despite inadequate rainfall, seeds may fail or deteriorate due to insufficient moisture. "Farmers should wait for adequate rains before planting," he advised.

IMD predicts monsoon entry by June 25; 39 districts under alert

Meteorologist said a cyclonic circulation and three active trough lines over western Madhya Pradesh are triggering thunderstorms and scattered rainfall across parts of the state. Light showers accompanied by thunder and lightning are likely in districts including Bhopal, Indore, Ujjain, Raisen, Sehore, Vidisha, Guna, Gwalior, Jabalpur, Chhindwara, Seoni, Sagar, Panna, Chhatarpur and Niwari.

Hot weather conditions, however, continue to prevail in Satna, Rewa, Mauganj, Sidhi, Singrauli, Maihar, Katni, Umaria, Khandwa, Khargone and Jhabua.

Meanwhile, the IMD has forecast that the monsoon is expected to enter Madhya Pradesh around June 25, nearly 10 days later than usual. Further updates on the progress of the monsoon are awaited.

Why this matters

The delayed monsoon comes at a critical time for Madhya Pradesh's agrarian economy. With the state heavily dependent on the Kharif season for its agricultural output, any further delay could impact food production and farmer incomes. The Congress-led opposition has criticised the state government's handling of the situation, while the BJP administration has directed district collectors to remain on alert.

Even before the official arrival of the southwest monsoon, Madhya Pradesh has recorded an excess of 65% more rainfall than normal for June, with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) issuing fresh thunderstorm warnings across nearly half the state for Monday.

State-wide average precipitation has already touched 13 mm against the seasonal norm of 8.3 mm for this period, according to meteorological data. The surprise pre-monsoon downpour has brought relief from the summer heat but has also raised concerns about weather-related disruptions.

65% Excess Rainfall

The most significant damage from heavy rainfall has been reported in the western parts of the state, where Bhopal, Agar Malwa and Shajapur have already received around 2 inches of rain. Neemuch district has recorded nearly 2.5 inches of rainfall, indicating a strong weather system operating well before the monsoon's arrival. 

This level of precipitation, classified as 'Large Excess' by IMD standards, comes as a result of active pre-monsoon weather systems. The monsoon, which entered neighbouring Maharashtra on Sunday, is now expected to reach Madhya Pradesh between June 15 and June 18. The normal onset date for the state is June 15.  A senior meteorologist from the IMD office said that while the normal onset date for the monsoon in Madhya Pradesh is June 16, the current pace of its advancement suggests that it could envelop the entire state by June 25. 

Thunderstorm Alert Across 30 Districts

Monday’s weather activity is expected to be widespread and intense. The IMD has forecast thunderstorms accompanied by lightning, with wind speeds likely to reach 30 to 40 kmph across several divisions. 

According to officials at the IMD Bhopal centre, thunderstorm and rainfall warnings are in effect for 30 districts including Gwalior, Sheopur, Morena, Bhind, Datia, Mauganj, Sidhi, Singrauli, Sagar, Damoh, Katni, Umaria, Shahdol, Anuppur, Dindori, Jabalpur, Narsinghpur, Mandla, Balaghat, Seoni, Chhindwara, Pandhurna, Narmadapuram, Betul, Harda, Khandwa, Burhanpur, Khargone and Barwani. 

Local authorities in the affected districts have been advised to remain on alert, particularly for low-lying areas vulnerable to waterlogging.

District-Wide Rainfall So Far

The heavy downpour has not been limited to a single region. More than a dozen districts have already received over an inch of rainfall since June 1. These include Satna, Sidhi, Agar Malwa, Bhopal, Burhanpur, Harda, Neemuch, Raisen, Rajgarh, Ratlam, Sehore, Shajapur and Sheopur. Impact on Travel and Public Life

Ground reports indicate that the sudden rains have caused disruptions in daily life. The Indore-Khandwa highway experienced temporary traffic jams on Sunday as squalls accompanied by heavy rain reduced visibility. Local police had to be deployed to manage the slow-moving vehicular traffic.

In several cities, including Sehore and Jabalpur, residents came out to enjoy the sudden change in weather as the temperatures dropped significantly. However, the IMD has warned that the strong winds could cause damage to temporary structures and urged citizens to avoid sheltering under trees during the storm.

What Lies Ahead

The IMD classifies the current rainfall as part of the pre-monsoon seasonal activity, distinct from the monsoon season which runs from June 1 to September 30. However, the excess in quantum has already surpassed typical June averages in some districts. 

The upcoming week is likely to see continued weather activity, with the monsoon expected to enter the state from its southern districts, including Barwani, Khargone, Khandwa, Burhanpur and Betul. The administration has been asked to coordinate with the agriculture department to prepare for the upcoming kharif sowing season, which will benefit from the soil moisture already present.

As the state awaits the official arrival of the monsoon, the current spell of pre-monsoon rain has already broken several short-term records, turning the weather pattern unusually wet for early June.