Madhya Pradesh is witnessing contrasting weather conditions as parts of the state continue to experience intense heat while several districts remain under alerts for thunderstorms and rain. The delayed arrival of the southwest monsoon has increased humidity levels and pushed temperatures higher, particularly in eastern districts. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued heatwave alerts for multiple districts and warned of stormy weather in more than 21 districts over the next few days.

According to the IMD, districts in the Jabalpur, Rewa, and Sagar divisions are expected to face heatwave conditions until at least June 26. Narsinghpur, Jabalpur, Mandla, Umaria, and Dindori are likely to experience hot winds during the day, while isolated thunderstorms and rainfall may occur during evening hours.

Weather officials said the delay in monsoon advancement and reduced pre-monsoon activity have contributed to rising temperatures across the state. Residents in several districts are experiencing both high heat and uncomfortable humidity levels.

Storm and Rain Alerts Continue

Alongside the heatwave warning, the IMD has forecast thunderstorms and rainfall in several districts. Alerts have been issued for Jhabua, Alirajpur, Dhar, Barwani, Niwari, Tikamgarh, Chhatarpur, Panna, Satna, Rewa, Mauganj, Sidhi, Singrauli, Shahdol, Maihar, Anuppur, Katni, Damoh, Sagar, Vidisha, and Ashoknagar.

Rainfall activity was recorded in multiple districts on Sunday. Raisen received approximately 61 mm of rainfall, while Bhopal experienced heavy showers during the afternoon. Rain was also reported from Satna, Jabalpur, Seoni, Khajuraho, and Naogaon, bringing temporary relief from the heat in some areas.

Meteorologists say localized storm systems are continuing to generate scattered rainfall, but widespread monsoon activity has yet to begin.

Temperatures Ease Slightly

Day temperatures showed a marginal decline in several major cities following recent rainfall. Bhopal recorded a maximum temperature of 35.3 degrees Celsius, while Indore registered 37.1 degrees Celsius. Gwalior remained among the hottest major cities at 39.7 degrees Celsius, followed by Jabalpur at 38 degrees Celsius and Ujjain at 36 degrees Celsius.

The hill station of Pachmarhi recorded the lowest daytime temperature at 32.2 degrees Celsius. Datia remained the hottest district with a maximum temperature of 40.6 degrees Celsius.

Despite isolated cooling from rain, weather experts caution that heatwave-like conditions may continue in parts of central and eastern Madhya Pradesh until the monsoon advances further.

Monsoon Running Behind Schedule

The southwest monsoon is currently running significantly behind its normal schedule in Madhya Pradesh. Typically, the monsoon reaches the state around June 15. However, weather officials indicate that it is now likely to enter after June 25.

The monsoon has remained stalled over Telangana since early June, slowing its progress toward central India. According to meteorologists, the system is expected to advance into Chhattisgarh and parts of Maharashtra around June 23 before moving into Madhya Pradesh later in the week if conditions remain favorable.

The delay has widened the rainfall deficit across the state. Madhya Pradesh is currently reporting a rainfall shortfall of approximately 48 percent for June. Eastern districts, including those in the Jabalpur, Rewa, Shahdol, and Sagar divisions, are facing the most severe deficit, with rainfall nearly 69 percent below normal.

Farmers Concerned Over Delayed Sowing

The delayed monsoon has become a growing concern for farmers preparing for the Kharif season. Sowing of soybean, urad, moong, and tur crops has been postponed in many areas due to insufficient soil moisture.

Agricultural experts recommend that farmers begin sowing only after receiving adequate rainfall to ensure proper germination and reduce the risk of crop failure. In some districts, farmers who have already planted soybean crops are reportedly facing the possibility of re-sowing if dry conditions persist.

While districts with irrigation facilities are better positioned to manage the delay, rain-dependent farmers remain vulnerable to further monsoon setbacks.

Weather officials expect conditions to improve gradually after June 25 as the monsoon system advances into the state. Until then, residents are advised to remain cautious of both heatwave conditions and sudden thunderstorms across different regions of Madhya Pradesh.