Madhya Pradesh is facing a significant monsoon shortfall this season, with the state recording an overall rainfall deficit of nearly 18 per cent, raising concerns over drought-like conditions and the impact on agriculture. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the state has received 413.3 mm (16.3 inches) of rainfall so far against the normal 507.2 mm (20 inches) expected by this stage of the season.

Rainfall has remained below normal in 49 districts, while only six districts have reported above-average precipitation. However, the IMD has forecast widespread rainfall, including heavy showers in several districts over the next three days, offering hope for improvement.

Major Cities Report Rainfall Deficit

Among Madhya Pradesh's major urban centres, Gwalior is the only city to have received above-normal rainfall, recording a surplus of seven per cent.

Other major cities continue to report deficits:

• Bhopal: 7% below normal

• Indore: 2% below normal

• Ujjain: 14% below normal

• Jabalpur: 29% below normal

Officials said all districts under the Bhopal, Jabalpur, Sagar, Shahdol, Rewa and Narmadapuram divisions are currently experiencing below-average rainfall.

Heavy Rain Expected Across Northern MP

The IMD has predicted that an active weather system, supported by a fresh western disturbance, is likely to trigger heavy rainfall across northern Madhya Pradesh over the next three days.

Heavy rainfall alerts have been issued for Gwalior, Bhind, Morena, Datia, Shivpuri, Tikamgarh, Chhatarpur, Panna and Damoh on Thursday.

Moderate to heavy rainfall is also expected in several other districts, including Bhopal, Raisen, Sehore, Vidisha, Rajgarh, Indore, Dhar, Ujjain, Dewas, Ratlam, Khandwa, Khargone, Narmadapuram, Betul, Harda, Guna, Ashoknagar, Jabalpur, Katni, Chhindwara, Balaghat, Mandla, Rewa, Satna, Sidhi, Singrauli, Shahdol, Umaria, Anuppur, Sagar and adjoining regions.

Fresh Weather System Active

Meteorologist Shailendra Kumar Nayak said a fresh western disturbance has become active, which is expected to strengthen monsoon activity across the state.

If the system remains active for the next few days, rainfall figures could improve significantly and provide relief to drought-hit regions.

Rainfall Still Below Seasonal Requirement

The state has received less than half of its total seasonal rainfall target so far.

The IMD said Madhya Pradesh normally records around 37.3 inches of rainfall during the southwest monsoon season. Major districts such as Bhopal, Indore, Jabalpur and Gwalior generally receive between 38 and 39 inches of seasonal rainfall.

Officials noted that June ended with a 14 per cent rainfall deficit. Although early July witnessed a brief improvement, two extended monsoon breaks later in the month reduced overall precipitation, resulting in a 13 per cent deficit during July as well.

Agriculture Sector Awaits Relief

The prolonged rainfall shortage has begun affecting soil moisture levels across several districts, raising concerns among farmers cultivating kharif crops.

Agriculture experts said sustained and widespread rainfall over the coming days will be crucial to restore soil moisture, improve reservoir levels and support standing crops.

With favourable weather systems now developing over central India, officials remain hopeful that the rainfall deficit will narrow during the first half of August.

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.

So far, Madhya Pradesh has recorded an average rainfall of approximately 9.7 inches, compared to the normal seasonal average of about 11.4 inches by mid-July. The delayed onset of the southwest monsoon has been a major factor behind the shortfall. The monsoon entered the state around June 24, later than usual, resulting in a substantial rainfall gap during June. Although rainfall activity intensified during the first half of July, weakening weather systems in recent days have once again slowed precipitation across much of the state.

Rainfall Uneven Across the State

The uneven distribution of rainfall has created contrasting conditions across Madhya Pradesh. While some areas witnessed intense downpours leading to swollen rivers and localized flooding, many districts have experienced only scattered light showers, preventing the overall rainfall deficit from narrowing significantly.

Weather data indicates that 39 districts continue to receive below-normal rainfall. Among the affected districts are Rewa, Satna, Jabalpur, Chhindwara, Sagar, Raisen, Vidisha, Dhar, Jhabua, Alirajpur, Betul, and Shivpuri. The extent of the deficit varies from district to district, but prolonged dry spells could have implications for agriculture and water resources if conditions persist.

Eastern Madhya Pradesh May Receive Better Rainfall

Meteorologists expect relatively stronger rainfall activity over Eastern Madhya Pradesh in the coming days. Districts including Rewa, Mauganj, Maihar, Sidhi, and Singrauli are likely to receive moderate rainfall, with isolated locations witnessing heavier spells under favorable local weather conditions.

Meanwhile, nearly 23 districts, including Indore, Raisen, Dhar, Jhabua, Khandwa, Betul, Narmadapuram, Jabalpur, and Satna, are expected to receive light rainfall. However, experts caution that scattered showers alone will not be sufficient to compensate for the existing seasonal deficit. A stronger weather system capable of bringing widespread rainfall over multiple days is needed to improve the overall situation.

Fresh Weather System Could Revive Monsoon

The India Meteorological Department is closely monitoring a new weather system expected to develop after July 20. If the system strengthens and carries sufficient moisture into central India, rainfall activity could increase significantly across eastern, central, and western Madhya Pradesh.

Meteorologists believe the final ten days of July will be crucial in determining whether the state can reduce its rainfall deficit before entering the peak monsoon phase.

Agriculture Dependent on Upcoming Rainfall

The current rainfall pattern has raised concerns for farmers, particularly in rain-fed agricultural regions. Madhya Pradesh is presently in the middle of the Kharif sowing season, during which crops such as soybean, paddy, maize, and urad require adequate soil moisture for healthy germination and early growth.

Areas that have received sufficient rainfall are witnessing normal agricultural activity, but districts experiencing prolonged dry spells may face challenges if the monsoon does not strengthen soon. The actual impact will vary depending on local rainfall, irrigation facilities, soil moisture levels, and crop type.

Water Resources Also Under Pressure

The rainfall deficit is affecting not only agriculture but also the replenishment of reservoirs, rivers, lakes, and groundwater reserves. Continuous and widespread rainfall is essential for improving storage levels during the monsoon season.

However, with August and September still remaining in the southwest monsoon period, weather experts note that there is still ample opportunity for the seasonal rainfall figures to improve if stronger weather systems become active in the coming weeks.

Weather Advisory

Residents are advised to continue monitoring local weather updates, as weak monsoon conditions do not rule out the possibility of sudden heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, lightning, and temporary waterlogging. People living near rivers, low-lying areas, and flood-prone locations should remain cautious during periods of intense rainfall.

If the anticipated weather system develops as forecast after July 20, Madhya Pradesh could witness a broader revival of monsoon activity, providing much-needed relief to drought-hit districts and improving conditions for agriculture and water storage.

Madhya Pradesh is witnessing an unusual spell of heat in the middle of the monsoon season, with maximum temperatures crossing 36°C in several districts after a prolonged pause in heavy rainfall. Weather officials say the state has not witnessed heavy or very heavy rain for the past six days, and widespread showers are unlikely over the next five days.

According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), Bhopal, the weakening monsoon has pushed temperatures to levels more typical of March and April, while the state's cumulative rainfall remains 7% below normal.

Rainfall Remains Below Average

IMD data shows Madhya Pradesh has received 241.8 mm of rainfall so far this season against the normal 260 mm, leaving the state with a rainfall deficit of around 7%.

The shortfall is more pronounced in eastern Madhya Pradesh, including the divisions of Jabalpur, Sagar, Shahdol and Rewa, where rainfall is nearly 21% below normal. Western divisions, including Bhopal, Indore, Ujjain, Narmadapuram and Gwalior-Chambal, have recorded a comparatively lower deficit of about 6%.

Meteorologists attributed the current conditions to a weak monsoon phase, with no major rain-bearing systems affecting the state over the past week.

Light Rain Expected in 21 Districts

The weather department has forecast light rainfall on Wednesday in districts including Indore, Ujjain, Ratlam, Jhabua, Dhar, Alirajpur, Chhindwara, Pandhurna, Seoni, Mandla, Balaghat, Dindori, Anuppur, Umaria, Shahdol, Satna, Maihar, Rewa, Mauganj, Sidhi and Singrauli.

Meanwhile, warm and humid conditions are expected to persist across several other districts, including Bhopal, Sehore, Raisen, Vidisha, Rajgarh, Narmadapuram, Gwalior, Morena, Shivpuri, Jabalpur, Sagar, Damoh, Chhatarpur, Khandwa, Khargone, Dewas, Ujjain, Neemuch, Mandsaur and Harda.

July Heat Raises Concern

July is traditionally the wettest month in Madhya Pradesh, contributing nearly 40% of the state's seasonal monsoon rainfall. The current dry spell has therefore raised concerns among meteorologists and farmers alike.

Officials noted that while rainfall improved during the first week of July after a weak June, the recent lull has once again pushed the state's rainfall statistics into the deficit category.

With limited rainfall expected over the coming days, daytime temperatures are likely to rise further.

Some Districts Continue to Perform Well

Despite the statewide deficit, a few districts have recorded above-normal rainfall.

Dewas remains the best-performing district, having received rainfall 102% above normal, with nearly 18 inches of rain so far this season.

Other districts showing healthy rainfall include Indore, Sehore, Harda, Bhopal, Betul, Burhanpur, Khandwa, Khargone, Raisen, Rajgarh, Ratlam, Ujjain, Vidisha, Jabalpur, Mandla, Sagar, Seoni and Balaghat.

In contrast, Alirajpur has recorded the lowest rainfall in the state, receiving only about 2.25 inches, nearly 74% below normal.

Historic Rainfall Records

Historical IMD records underline how unusual the current weather pattern is.

• Bhopal recorded a record 41 inches of rainfall in July 1986, while the city's highest single-day rainfall of nearly 11 inches occurred on 22 July 1973.

• Indore witnessed its highest 24-hour rainfall of 11.5 inches on 27 July 1913, while the city recorded more than 30 inches during July 1973.

With no significant weather systems expected to develop immediately, meteorologists say Madhya Pradesh may continue to experience hot days until monsoon activity strengthens again.

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.

Reservoir left with just 12.5% water; hydropower generation halved; monsoon remains elusive as city records lowest June rainfall in a decade

The delayed monsoon and a severe rainfall deficit in June have begun to take a visible toll on the region's reservoirs, with the Bargi Dam — considered the lifeline of Jabalpur — witnessing a steady decline in water levels. In a first in 15 years, the dam is drying up in June itself. According to dam management officials, the water level is dropping by approximately five centimetres every day.

From 407.85 metres on June 15, the level has now fallen to 407.45 metres — a drop of nearly 40 centimetres. The dam currently holds only 12.59 per cent of its storage capacity, compared to about 22 per cent during the same period last year. Experts warn that even if all 21 gates are opened, water will not flow out due to the critically low level.

"We have never seen such a situation in June before," said Raja Ram Rohit, a water management expert associated with the Bargi Dam project. "The reservoir level has been brought down due to seepage repairs in the dam block. While there is no immediate cause for panic, it is essential that monsoon becomes active in the catchment areas within the next 10 to 12 days," he told reporters.

The impact on hydropower generation has been severe. One of the dam's two power generation units was shut down on June 27, while the second unit, which used to operate for eight to ten hours daily, is now being run for just three hours. Officials said a similar situation had occurred three years ago. In 2025, the water level at this time stood at 409.95 metres, compared with 407.65 metres this year.

Rainfall deficit deepens crisis

Jabalpur has recorded just 42.2 mm of rainfall this June, making it the driest June in a decade. Normal rainfall for the month up to June 30 is around eight inches (approximately 200 mm), but only about 1.5 inches has been recorded so far. Last year, the city had received 141.1 mm by June 27.

The monsoon's northern limit is currently around Mandla, and weather officials expect it to advance further. However, the India Meteorological Department has already flagged a 52 per cent rainfall deficit across Madhya Pradesh, with eastern districts — including Jabalpur, Rewa, Shahdol and Sagar — recording 65 to 71 per cent less rain than normal.

Narmada flow reduced, rocks emerge at ghats

The declining water level is also affecting the Narmada River, where rocks have begun to emerge at several ghats and reduced flow has led to deteriorating water quality. Water is normally released into the Narmada through the dam's hydropower plant. With one unit shut and the other operating on a limited schedule, the flow into the river has been significantly reduced.

Locals have started visiting the dam to witness the receding waterline. "I came here after hearing about the dam drying up. The water level has dropped drastically. Rocks are visible at many Narmada ghats, and the river water appears much lower and murkier than before," said Akash Koshta, a Jabalpur resident.

Drinking water, irrigation at risk

Bargi Dam supplies drinking water to Jabalpur and several surrounding towns and villages. Its canals irrigate farmland in Jabalpur and Narsinghpur, with future plans to extend water supply to Katni and Satna. Experts warn that if substantial rainfall does not arrive soon, the region could face a drinking water crisis in the coming weeks.

"We are releasing around 10 cusecs of water through the left bank canal for farmers, but this is only a stop-gap arrangement," an official said. The right bank canal had already been closed earlier, and the left bank canal is now operating at reduced capacity.

Meteorologists attribute the rainfall deficit to El Niño effects, which have weakened monsoon activity this year. They remain hopeful that the monsoon will pick up in July, but warn that any further delay could deepen the water crisis across several reservoirs in Madhya Pradesh, affecting power generation, irrigation and drinking water supply.

Several parts of Madhya Pradesh woke up to rain on Tuesday as the monsoon showed fresh activity, though the weather department has issued alerts for thunderstorms and heavy showers in 50 districts.

Bhopal, Sehore, and Pandhurna received morning showers. In Pandhurna, a tree fell on power lines due to rain, disrupting electricity supply to eight villages. Heavy rain has also been forecast for Betul, Chhindwara, Pandhurna, Seoni, and Balaghat, where up to 4 inches of rainfall is possible in the next 24 hours.

Tragedy struck in Khargone where two people — labourer Radheshyam (30) and housewife Kenu (30) — died after being struck by lightning in separate incidents. In Betul’s Chicholi, two men who were swept away by the swollen Champa river on Monday night were found dead on Tuesday morning.

The monsoon, which entered 15 districts on June 24, has been slow to advance further. However, the recent showers have helped reduce the overall rainfall deficit to 39 per cent. Eastern Madhya Pradesh continues to lag significantly behind western parts.

The IMD has warned of strong winds up to 60 kmph in many areas along with rain. The situation is being closely monitored as more rain is expected in the coming days.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Fresh spells of heavy rain brought relief to several parts of Madhya Pradesh on Sunday even as the weather department issued alerts for thunderstorms and showers in 43 districts.

Mandsaur and Sehore witnessed intense rainfall, while more than 30 districts received rain in the last 24 hours. Shivpuri recorded the highest at 2.5 inches, followed by Chhindwara with around 1.5 inches and Bhopal with 1.25 inches.

In Bhopal, morning showers accompanied by thunder and lightning led to waterlogging in low-lying areas and power outages in several localities. Strong winds and rain caused significant damage in Shivpuri, where trees and electricity poles were uprooted, a dhaba and a house collapsed, and vehicles at a petrol pump were affected.

Ratlam saw roads and underbridges flooded after heavy downpour. Jhabua and Vidisha also received good rainfall, bringing much-needed respite from the heat. However, the monsoon activity turned tragic in Sehore where a youth died after being struck by lightning.

Night temperatures showed variation. Khajuraho recorded the highest minimum at 29.4 degrees Celsius, while Khandwa was the coolest at 20.4 degrees. Other major cities saw moderate minimums with Bhopal at 23.2 and Indore at 22.8 degrees Celsius.

The recent rain has helped narrow the state’s overall rainfall deficit. From June 1, Madhya Pradesh has received 63.5 mm against the normal 107.3 mm — a shortfall of 41 per cent. Western parts have fared better than the eastern regions.

The IMD has forecast more rain and thundershowers in the coming days. The monsoon, which had stalled after entering 15 districts, is now showing signs of gradual advancement.

While farmers welcomed the showers for kharif sowing, incidents of lightning and waterlogging highlighted the need for better preparedness. Authorities have advised people to stay indoors during thunderstorms and avoid open areas.

As the monsoon gains momentum, the coming week will be crucial for rainfall distribution across the state. Residents in rain-deficient areas continue to wait for widespread showers.

After making an entry into 15 southeastern districts on June 24, the southwest monsoon has remained almost stationary in Madhya Pradesh for the last three days, leaving several parts of the state still waiting for its arrival.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) said conditions are becoming favourable for further advancement, and the monsoon is likely to reach Bhopal and Ujjain divisions in the next two to three days. It will cover Gwalior-Chambal region towards the end.

On Saturday, Ratlam and Dhar received heavy rainfall. Several other places also experienced thundershowers, bringing some relief from the prevailing heat. The weather department has issued rain alerts for 41 districts, including Bhopal, Raisen, Sehore, Rajgarh, Vidisha, Indore, Jhabua, Alirajpur, Dhar, Burhanpur, Barwani, Khandwa, Khargone, Ujjain, Ratlam, Agar-Malwa, Shajapur, Dewas, Narmadapuram, Betul, Harda, Jabalpur and others. Light to moderate rain is possible in Gwalior, Sheopur, Morena, Bhind, Datia, Shivpuri, Guna, Ashoknagar, Neemuch, Mandsaur, Niwari and Tikamgarh.

The fresh spell of rain has helped improve the state’s overall rainfall deficit. From June 1, the state has received 58.5 mm rainfall against the normal 99 mm — a deficit of 41 per cent. Earlier, the shortfall was around 50 per cent. Western MP has received relatively better rain compared to the eastern parts.

However, the monsoon progress has come at a cost. Lightning strikes claimed five lives in the last two days. In Balaghat’s Birwa gram panchayat, two children and one adult died after lightning struck, while six others were injured. In Dewas’ Khatamba village, a gallery collapsed during a Surya Puja event due to strong winds and rain, killing two women and injuring three others, including a child.

Day temperatures dropped noticeably in many places. Khargone recorded the lowest maximum at 30 degrees Celsius, followed by Khandwa at 30.1. Major cities saw Bhopal and Indore at 33.8, Ujjain 33.5, Jabalpur 36.7 and Gwalior 41.8 degrees Celsius.

Meteorologists said the monsoon is currently lingering in the southeastern parts and is expected to gain momentum soon. The delay has been attributed to prevailing atmospheric conditions, but no major concern has been flagged yet.

Farmers in rain-deficient districts are anxiously waiting for widespread showers to begin sowing activities. The coming week will be crucial for the state’s kharif season prospects.

As of now, the focus remains on the monsoon’s further movement and its distribution across the state. The IMD will continue to monitor the situation closely in the next few days.

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.

Scattered rains accompanied by strong winds brought some relief from the scorching heat in parts of Madhya Pradesh on Tuesday, even as the state awaits the official arrival of the monsoon in the next couple of days.

Balaghat recorded the highest rainfall of 1.25 inches, followed by Raisen with 0.75 inches. Other districts that saw rainfall included Dhar, Barwani, Khargone, Narmadapuram, Indore, Chhindwara, Jabalpur, Sagar, Seoni, Tikamgarh, and Rajgarh. In many places, the showers were accompanied by thunderstorms, leading to a noticeable drop in daytime temperatures.

Pachmarhi remained the coolest place in the state with a maximum temperature of 30.2 degrees Celsius. Khargone recorded 30.4, Dhar 31, while several other places stayed below the 36-degree mark. However, heat continued to grip parts of the state, with Datia and Sidhi recording the highest temperature of 41.2 degrees Celsius.

Among major cities, Gwalior sizzled at 41 degrees, Jabalpur recorded 35.4, Indore 33.9, Ujjain 34.8, and Bhopal 32.2 degrees Celsius.

The weather department has forecast further pre-monsoon activity. Thunderstorms with rain are likely in 26 districts, including Gwalior, Sheopur, Morena, Bhind, Datia, Shahdol, Anuppur, Dindori, Balaghat, Seoni, Pandhurna, Chhindwara, Narsinghpur, Sagar, Vidisha, Raisen, Betul, Bhopal, Sehore, Harda, Dewas, Khandwa, Burhanpur, Indore, Alirajpur, and Jhabua. Meanwhile, heatwave conditions may persist in Jabalpur, Mandla, Damoh, and Umaria.

Officials said the monsoon is expected to enter the state within the next two days. Normally, it arrives around June 15, but this year the wait has been slightly longer. In the past decade, the earliest entry was on June 9 in 2021, while the latest was June 25 in 2018.

Rainfall deficiency remains a concern. According to data, 48 districts have received 52 per cent less rainfall than normal so far this season. Only a few districts, including Bhopal, Ashoknagar, Agar-Malwa, Guna, Mandsaur, Neemuch, and Sheopur, have recorded above-normal rains. On Monday, Dhar received nearly 2 inches, while Bhopal got 0.75 inches.

The showers on Tuesday brought much-needed respite in several areas, though some regions continue to face dry conditions. Farmers and residents in rain-deficient districts are hoping for a timely and widespread monsoon arrival to ease the pressure on water sources and agriculture.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) is closely monitoring the progress of the monsoon trough. Meteorologists said conditions are becoming favourable for its advance into Madhya Pradesh shortly.

In the last 24 hours, the mix of rain and gusty winds also led to minor disruptions in some places, though no major damage has been reported so far. Authorities have advised people to remain cautious during thunderstorms.

As the state stands on the threshold of the monsoon season, officials are keeping a close watch on both rainfall distribution and temperature trends. Further updates on monsoon onset and expected rainfall in the coming days are awaited.

The current weather pattern reflects the typical transition phase seen in June, where pre-monsoon activities often bring temporary relief before the full-fledged rainy season sets in. How the monsoon performs this year will be critical for the state's kharif crops and overall water availability.