Madhya Pradesh is seeing another spell of intense monsoon activity, with Dindori receiving continuous rain since around 5 am on Wednesday. Rivers and streams in the district have risen sharply, and the water flowing over some culverts has disrupted road connectivity to several villages. The weather department has also issued an alert for extremely heavy rainfall in Tikamgarh, Panna and Narsinghpur, where 100 to 200 mm of rain could fall in the next 24 hours.

The situation in Dindori remained unsettled through the morning as rain continued without a significant break. Local reports said water levels in rivers and drains were rising and dozens of villages had been cut off from the district headquarters. The Roara drain was also reported to be overflowing, with water flowing over a culvert. Officials are keeping an eye on low-lying areas as the rain continues.

Weather expert Shailendra Kumar Nayak said the depression that was active over Jharkhand on August 18 has made eastern Madhya Pradesh one of the main centres of rainfall activity. The system is influencing Vindhya, Bundelkhand and Mahakoshal, where heavy to extremely heavy rain is expected on August 19. Rain activity is likely to gradually spread towards central and western parts of the state between August 20 and 24.

The rainfall comes at a time when Madhya Pradesh is still running below its normal seasonal rainfall. According to the Meteorological Centre, the state has received around 573.1 mm, or 22.6 inches, of rain so far. Normal rainfall for this period is around 651.4 mm, or 25.6 inches. That leaves the state about 12 per cent below normal, with the eastern region recording a deficit of around 16 per cent and the western region around 9 per cent.

Several districts continue to remain in deficit despite the latest spell. In the eastern part of the state, districts across the Jabalpur, Rewa, Sagar and Shahdol divisions have recorded below-normal rainfall. Dindori, Panna, Narsinghpur, Tikamgarh, Jabalpur, Katni, Mandla, Rewa, Satna, Sagar and other districts are among those facing rainfall deficits. Some districts have recorded deficits ranging from 4 per cent to more than 50 per cent.

The western part of the state has also seen uneven rainfall. Areas including Indore, Dhar, Ratlam, Neemuch, Raisen, Sehore, Ujjain, Vidisha and Shivpuri are among the districts that have recorded below-average rainfall. At the same time, districts such as Anuppur, Shahdol, Sidhi, Singrauli, Umaria, Bhopal, Gwalior, Khandwa, Khargone and Rajgarh have received more than their normal rainfall.

The changing weather pattern is also being watched because of the water level in major reservoirs. Nine gates of the Bargi Dam have been opened to release water, adding to the need for caution in downstream areas. With rivers and local drains already running high, further heavy rain could create problems in low-lying villages and on rural roads.

The current spell follows an uneven monsoon season. June ended with a rainfall deficit, while July saw periods of heavy rain followed by breaks in monsoon activity. Another strong weather system became active towards the end of the period, improving rainfall in several areas, though the overall deficit has not yet been fully recovered.

For now, the focus remains on eastern and central Madhya Pradesh, particularly Dindori, Panna, Tikamgarh and Narsinghpur. If the current system remains active, officials may have to monitor roads, bridges and water bodies closely. Residents in areas near rivers and overflowing drains have also been advised to remain cautious as the situation develops.

The southwest monsoon has regained momentum in Madhya Pradesh after a nine-day pause, bringing widespread rainfall to several districts on Friday. Heavy showers were reported in Balaghat, Umaria and Dindori, while the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a heavy rainfall alert for Balaghat and Dindori and forecast thunderstorms and rain across 31 districts.

According to the IMD, the revival has been triggered by a low-pressure area developing over the Bay of Bengal, supported by three cyclonic circulations over the state. A western disturbance is also expected to become active over northwest India on July 19, which could further intensify rainfall across Madhya Pradesh.

Rainfall Deficit Narrows, But Concern Remains

The state had witnessed a prolonged weak monsoon phase over the past nine days, resulting in a decline in seasonal rainfall. Madhya Pradesh has received 243.3 mm of rainfall so far this monsoon, against the normal 281.3 mm, leaving the state with a 13% rainfall deficit.

Eastern Madhya Pradesh has recorded a 26% shortfall, while western districts remain 2% below normal.

Heavy Rain Warning for Two Districts

The IMD has issued a heavy rainfall warning for:

• Balaghat

• Dindori

Meanwhile, light to moderate rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms is likely in:

Alirajpur, Dhar, Barwani, Indore, Khargone, Dewas, Khandwa, Burhanpur, Harda, Betul, Narmadapuram, Raisen, Sagar, Pandhurna, Chhindwara, Narsinghpur, Damoh, Niwari, Tikamgarh, Chhatarpur, Bhind, Datia, Panna, Satna, Rewa, Mauganj, Sidhi, Singrauli, Maihar, Katni, Jabalpur, Seoni, Mandla, Anuppur and Umaria.

However, districts including Bhopal, Gwalior, Morena, Sheopur, Shivpuri, Guna, Ashoknagar, Vidisha, Sehore, Rajgarh, Shajapur, Agar Malwa, Ujjain, Neemuch, Mandsaur, Ratlam and Jhabua are expected to continue experiencing warm and humid conditions with relatively limited rainfall.

Rainfall Distribution Across the State

As many as 35 districts continue to report below-normal rainfall, including Jabalpur, Rewa, Satna, Chhindwara, Dindori, Umaria and Balaghat.

On the other hand, 20 districts, including Bhopal, Indore, Ujjain, Dewas, Khandwa, Khargone, Sehore and Harda, have recorded above-normal rainfall this season.

Experts Expect Stronger Monsoon in Second Half of July

Weather expert Shailendra Kumar Nayak said the overall monsoon pattern remains favourable despite the temporary slowdown.

He noted that the intensity and movement of the developing low-pressure system over the Bay of Bengal will determine how quickly rainfall activity strengthens across the state.

"If the weather systems remain favourable, most parts of Madhya Pradesh are likely to witness a fresh spell of widespread rainfall during the second half of July," he said.

July Crucial for Seasonal Rainfall

July contributes nearly 40% of Madhya Pradesh's annual monsoon rainfall, making it the most important month for agriculture and water resources.

The state's average annual rainfall is 37.3 inches, while major cities such as Bhopal, Indore, Jabalpur and Gwalior normally receive 38–39 inches during the season.

So far, Dewas has recorded the highest rainfall in the state with nearly 18 inches, exceeding normal levels by more than 100%. Bhopal has received 13.1 inches, while Indore and Sehore have recorded around 14 inches.

In contrast, Alirajpur remains the driest district, receiving only about 2.25 inches of rainfall, nearly 74% below normal.

Persistent monsoon showers have disrupted normal life across several parts of Madhya Pradesh, with rising rivers, flooded homes and damaged infrastructure reported from multiple districts. In Balaghat, heavy rain triggered a surge in the Bagh River, sweeping away construction vehicles at an under-construction bridge site, while floodwaters entered houses in Dindori, forcing residents to cope with significant property damage.

According to officials, the bridge over the Bagh River near the Maharashtra border was being constructed under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana at an estimated cost of over ₹10 crore. As water levels rose sharply following continuous rainfall, several vehicles deployed for construction work, including a car, a JCB machine and a loader, were washed away by the strong current. Videos from the site showing vehicles being carried downstream have circulated widely on social media.

In Dindori district, intermittent rainfall has caused the Narmada River and its tributaries to swell. Water flowed over a culvert on the Tudar River, cutting off connectivity to several villages in Karanjia block. Local authorities said floodwaters entered at least 11 houses, damaging household belongings and affecting residents.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an orange alert for extremely heavy rainfall in nine districts on Monday. Sagar, Damoh, Betul, Dewas, Alirajpur, Umaria, Seoni, Chhindwara and Anuppur are expected to receive very heavy rainfall.

Heavy rainfall warnings have also been issued for Ratlam, Ujjain, Dhar, Shajapur, Sehore, Vidisha, Guna, Narmadapuram, Narsinghpur, Jabalpur, Mandla, Balaghat, Dindori and Panna. Besides these, several other districts, including Bhopal, Gwalior, Morena, Datia, Shivpuri, Satna, Rewa, Sidhi, Singrauli, Neemuch, Khargone and Burhanpur, are likely to witness light to moderate rainfall with isolated heavy spells.

The rainfall has remained widespread over the past 24 hours, with more than 30 districts recording precipitation. Chhindwara received nearly three inches of rain, while Ujjain and Balaghat recorded around 2.25 inches. Umaria and Khajuraho also received approximately two inches of rainfall. Moderate rainfall was reported from Bhopal, Gwalior, Seoni, Mandla, Jabalpur, Ratlam, Damoh, Vidisha, Sehore and several other districts.

Despite the active monsoon, Madhya Pradesh has so far recorded 163.1 mm of seasonal rainfall, about six per cent below the normal average of 172.8 mm. Rainfall distribution, however, remains uneven. Eastern Madhya Pradesh continues to face a 29 per cent deficit, while western districts have received around 17 per cent more rainfall than usual.

Meteorologists expect rainfall activity to intensify further through July, which is traditionally the wettest month of the southwest monsoon season in the state. Historically, nearly one-third of Madhya Pradesh's annual rainfall is recorded during July, making the month crucial for agriculture, reservoirs and groundwater recharge.

The state receives an average annual rainfall of about 37.3 inches. Cities such as Bhopal, Indore, Jabalpur and Gwalior generally record between 38 and 39 inches annually. Among districts this season, Dewas has received the highest rainfall at around 14.2 inches, exceeding its seasonal average by 125 per cent, while Alirajpur has recorded the lowest rainfall at approximately one inch.

Authorities have advised residents living near rivers and low-lying areas to remain alert as water levels continue to rise. Disaster management teams and local administrations are monitoring vulnerable locations, while officials have urged people to avoid crossing flooded roads, bridges and overflowing culverts until water levels recede.

A 5-year-old boy’s body was found in three pieces in a forest near Dindori on Monday. The child, Imran, had been missing since June 17, and police had been searching for him for four days.

Imran’s father, Ikhhtiyar Khan, a resident of Tarera village in the Karanjia police station area, had gone to the forest to collect wood. Early that morning, Imran got up after sleeping and followed his father into the forest. Family members assumed the child was with his father.

When Ikhhtiyar returned home with the wood and asked about his son, the family realised he was missing. They first searched the neighbourhood but could not find him, so they reported the child’s disappearance to the police.

Police formed a team and launched a search operation in the forest and nearby villages. The news of the disappearance was also shared on social media. On Monday, the child’s body was found about 1.5 kilometres from the village.

Police said the body was discovered in three pieces inside the forest. Senior police officers reached the spot immediately after the information arrived. A team of doctors was also called to the scene for the post-mortem.

The cause of death is not yet clear. Police are gathering full details from the father and family members, and the investigation is ongoing.

Why it matters: the tragedy has left the family shattered and sparked concern in the village about safety and the dangers of the forest. Police say they will continue the investigation to determine how the child died.