Madhya Pradesh remained under a spell of heavy monsoon activity on Saturday, September 5, with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) warning of heavy to very heavy rainfall in several parts of the state. Sheopur and Shivpuri were under an orange alert for very heavy rain, while several districts across the Gwalior-Chambal, Sagar and adjoining regions faced heavy rainfall warnings.

The weather system has also affected normal life in flood-prone areas. Schools and anganwadi centres were closed in several districts as a precaution, while swollen rivers, overflowing dams and waterlogged roads were reported from parts of northern and central Madhya Pradesh.

Heavy Rain Warning Across Northern MP

The latest weather activity is associated with a well-marked low-pressure area over northeast Madhya Pradesh and neighbouring areas. The IMD has forecast heavy to very heavy rainfall over Madhya Pradesh during September 3–5, with heavy rain activity expected to continue in parts of the state after that period.

For September 5, the districts identified in the supplied weather update for heavy or very heavy rainfall include Sheopur, Shivpuri, Gwalior, Morena, Bhind, Datia, Niwari, Tikamgarh, Chhatarpur, Panna, Satna, Sagar, Guna, Ashoknagar, Vidisha, Rajgarh, Shajapur, Agar-Malwa and Mandsaur.

The IMD's Bhopal centre has separately indicated very heavy rainfall conditions for West Madhya Pradesh on September 5 and heavy rainfall conditions for East Madhya Pradesh. 

Schools Shut in Several Districts

With heavy rain and flood-like conditions affecting some areas, district administrations have announced school closures for Saturday.

Schools and, in some districts, anganwadi centres were closed in Morena, Sheopur, Shivpuri, Guna, Bhind, Gwalior and Raisen.

The extent of the closure varies by district. In Sheopur and Guna, the holiday applies from nursery through Class 12, while Bhind and Gwalior have announced closure up to Class 8. Raisen has ordered closure of government and private schools across the district.

The decisions have been taken as precautionary measures amid concerns over waterlogging, swollen rivers and difficult travel conditions.

Sheopur Sees Rising Water Levels

Sheopur has emerged as one of the areas facing significant disruption from the latest spell of rain. The Amral River is in spate, while the Avda Dam has reportedly overflowed after reaching its stated storage level.

Water has entered parts of the vegetable market and other low-lying areas, affecting shops and roads. The route between Vijaypur and Tetara was also reported to have been closed after water reached a bridge over the Kwari River.

The Gupteshwar Temple area has also been affected by rising water, while the Kila Gate area reported waterlogging. Police teams have been deployed at vulnerable locations to monitor the situation.

Dams and Rivers Remain Under Watch

Several water bodies across the state are responding to the continued rainfall.

In Shivpuri, the Harsi Dam began overflowing on Saturday after sustained rainfall increased inflows. Water was reportedly flowing around one-and-a-half feet above the dam's waste weir.

In Bhopal, one gate of the Bhadbhada Dam was opened amid rising water levels. In Mandla, the Narmada River was also reported to be running high, while the Mandakini in the Satna-Chitrakoot region remained a concern after its recent rise.

Authorities have advised residents to avoid rivers, streams, dams and other waterlogged areas, particularly where currents are strong.

MP Has Received 762.7 mm Rain So Far

According to the weather figures cited in the supplied report, Madhya Pradesh had received 762.7 mm of rainfall, or roughly 30 inches, by September 5.

The figure remained below the state's normal rainfall of about 816 mm for the corresponding period, representing a shortfall of around 7%.

However, rainfall distribution has been uneven. The eastern part of Madhya Pradesh had moved into a surplus position, while the western region continued to record a substantial deficit.

Twenty-four districts, including Sheopur, Shivpuri, Gwalior, Bhind, Datia, Bhopal, Panna, Satna, Rajgarh and several others, were reported to have received rainfall above their respective averages.

More Rain Possible Through September 8

The weather system is expected to remain active over parts of Madhya Pradesh in the coming days. The IMD's September 4 outlook indicated heavy rainfall activity over both western and eastern Madhya Pradesh on September 6, with further heavy rainfall warnings for East Madhya Pradesh on September 7 and 8. (Mausam)

The continuing rainfall comes after a relatively uneven monsoon season. While June recorded below-normal rainfall, stronger spells in July and August helped narrow the overall deficit.

For now, the focus remains on northern Madhya Pradesh, where swollen rivers, overflowing water bodies and waterlogging are creating local disruptions. With more rain forecast in the next few days, residents in vulnerable areas are being urged to remain cautious and follow local administration advisories.

Four gates of the Atal Sagar Madikheda Dam in Madhya Pradesh’s Shivpuri district have been opened following continued rainfall, with a combined 654.494 cubic metres of water being released per second into the downstream system. The development comes as the district’s cumulative average rainfall for the season has crossed its normal level.

According to rainfall figures provided in the report, Shivpuri has received 846.53 mm of rain so far this season, which is 30.23 mm above the district’s normal average of 816.30 mm. The district had recorded 764.46 mm of average rainfall up to Friday, with 82.07 mm added over the following 24 hours.

The India Meteorological Department has also forecast heavy rain conditions in Shivpuri for September 5 and 6.

Madikheda Dam Water Level Rises

The rising inflow has pushed up the water level of Madikheda Dam, which is built across the Sindh River.

At 11 am on Saturday, the dam’s water level was recorded at 345.10 metres against its Full Reservoir Level (FRL) of 346.25 metres. This leaves the reservoir approximately 1.15 metres below its FRL.

The dam currently has about 755.40 million cubic metres of live storage, equivalent to 90.49% of its total live-storage capacity of 834.83 million cubic metres.

Four Gates Opened for Water Release

The dam gates were first opened on Friday, September 4, as water levels continued to rise.

By 10 am on Saturday, gates No. 5 and 6 had been opened by 1.25 metres each, while gates No. 4 and 7 were opened by 0.75 metres each. Gates No. 3 and 8 remained closed.

The combined gate opening was therefore four metres.

Through the four open gates, 519.074 cubic metres per second of water was being released. An additional 135.42 cubic metres per second was being discharged through the power house.

Together, the gate and power-house releases amounted to 654.494 cubic metres per second flowing downstream.

Water Storage Reaches 90.49%

The Madikheda reservoir has a total capacity of 834.83 million cubic metres, while the available live storage was reported at 755.40 million cubic metres.

At 90.49% of capacity, the reservoir remains below its FRL, but continued rainfall and inflows have prompted controlled releases through the gates.

Madikheda Dam is an important water structure in Shivpuri district and lies on the Sindh River. Local authorities and dam officials have been monitoring the situation amid the ongoing rainfall. A local report had earlier said the dam’s gates were opened on September 4 as water levels approached the full-reservoir level. (Mama Ka Dhamaaka)

Badarwas Records Highest Rainfall

Among Shivpuri’s tehsils, Badarwas recorded the highest cumulative rainfall at 916.50 mm, according to the figures in the supplied report.

Other rainfall totals were:

• Shivpuri: 892.70 mm

• Pichhore: 882 mm

• Narwar: 872 mm

• Karera: 870.10 mm

• Pohri: 845 mm

• Bairad: 842 mm

• Khanadhana: 758.50 mm

• Kolaras: 740 mm

The figures show significant variation across the district, although the overall seasonal rainfall has moved above the normal average.

Heavy Rain Forecast to Continue

The latest IMD forecast indicates that Shivpuri could continue to receive heavy rain on September 5 and 6, with generally cloudy conditions expected.

With the reservoir already holding more than 90% of its reported capacity and further rainfall possible, water discharge from Madikheda Dam is likely to remain an important development for downstream areas.

Residents living along the Sindh River and in other potentially affected low-lying areas should follow local administration and dam-authority advisories and avoid entering the river or approaching areas with strong water flow.

 Madhya Pradesh is likely to witness another spell of heavy rainfall on Saturday, with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) issuing alerts for 21 districts, including Jabalpur, Shahdol and Sagar. Several parts of the state could receive 4 to 8 inches of rain over the next 24 hours as a strong weather system remains active over eastern Madhya Pradesh.

According to the IMD Bhopal, the system is expected to have its strongest impact over the eastern parts of the state. Heavy rainfall is likely to continue for the next four days, particularly across the Jabalpur, Rewa, Sagar and Shahdol divisions.

Heavy Rain Alert

Three districts — Narmadapuram, Chhatarpur and Umaria — are likely to receive very heavy rainfall on Saturday.

Heavy rain has also been forecast for Jabalpur, Sagar, Raisen, Narsinghpur, Chhindwara, Seoni, Balaghat, Mandla, Dindori, Anuppur, Shahdol, Katni, Panna, Tikamgarh, Rewa, Mauganj, Sidhi and Singrauli.

Several other districts, including Bhopal, Sehore, Rajgarh, Vidisha, Indore, Dhar, Alirajpur, Burhanpur, Barwani, Khandwa, Khargone, Jhabua, Ujjain, Neemuch, Agar-Malwa, Mandsaur, Shajapur, Dewas, Ratlam, Betul, Harda, Gwalior, Shivpuri, Datia, Morena, Bhind, Sheopur, Satna, Maihar, Damoh and Niwari, may also receive rain ranging from light to intense spells.

Strong System Over East MP

Weather expert Shailendra Kumar Naik said a low-pressure area that developed over the Bay of Bengal has intensified into a depression. Its impact is expected to remain strongest over eastern Madhya Pradesh, resulting in heavy rainfall across several districts.

The eastern divisions have already experienced uneven rainfall during the monsoon season. Despite recent spells of intense rain, several districts continue to record below-normal rainfall.

Waterlogging and Overflow

Heavy rain has already created problems in parts of the state.

In Khargone's Gogawan area, continuous rainfall caused the Satak reservoir to overflow. The reservoir has a capacity of around 18.38 million cubic metres and overflowed after two years.

In Satna, intermittent rain affected rural areas, particularly the low-lying and hilly regions. Water from the hills has increased the flow of the waterfall near Dharkundi Ashram, with water entering parts of the premises.

Waterlogging was also reported at the Kotor Nagar Parishad office and nearby shops. Water entered a ward of the community health centre, following which pregnant women were referred to the district hospital.

On the Birsinghpur-Semariya road, the Mau river was reported to be flowing over the bridge, raising concerns for commuters.

Rainfall Deficit Persists

According to the IMD, 12 districts have so far recorded rainfall above their average levels, including Bhopal, Guna, Sehore, Rajgarh, Gwalior, Anuppur, Bhind, Burhanpur, Dewas, Barwani, Khandwa and Khargone.

However, 43 districts continue to record deficient rainfall.

Jabalpur, Rewa, Sagar and Shahdol divisions have recorded rainfall deficits of up to 19 per cent. Several districts in eastern MP, including Balaghat, Chhatarpur, Chhindwara, Damoh, Dindori, Jabalpur, Katni, Mandla, Panna, Rewa, Sagar, Satna, Seoni, Shahdol, Sidhi, Singrauli, Tikamgarh and Umaria, have recorded deficits ranging from 2 to 54 per cent.

Parts of western Madhya Pradesh have also received less rainfall than normal.

Monsoon Pattern This Season

The state recorded 14 per cent below-normal rainfall in June. Rainfall improved during the early part of July, but the monsoon subsequently entered two periods of weaker activity.

A strong weather system became active again towards the end of the period, bringing widespread rain. While July's rainfall quota was eventually met, the deficit accumulated during June has not been completely recovered.

Madhya Pradesh receives around 37.3 inches of normal annual rainfall, although the average varies significantly between districts.

Historic August Rainfall Records

August is traditionally an important rainfall month for several major cities in Madhya Pradesh.

Bhopal recorded around 35 inches of rainfall in August 2006, its highest monthly August total. The city received nearly 12 inches in 24 hours on August 14 that year.

Indore recorded around 28 inches of rainfall in August 1944, while its highest 24-hour August rainfall was around 10.5 inches on August 22, 2020.

Gwalior recorded around 8.5 inches in 24 hours on August 10, 1927. Its highest monthly August rainfall was around 28 inches in 1916.

Jabalpur recorded around 44 inches of rainfall in August 1923. On August 20 that year, the city received nearly 13 inches of rain within 24 hours.

Ujjain recorded around 35 inches of rainfall in August 2006, including approximately 12 inches in 24 hours.

With the strong weather system currently active, authorities and residents in vulnerable districts are likely to remain watchful over the next several days, particularly in areas prone to flooding, waterlogging and river overflow.

 Madhya Pradesh is witnessing another spell of rain, with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) issuing a heavy rainfall alert for Panna, Satna and Rewa on Saturday. The three districts could receive up to four inches of rain in the next 24 hours.

Heavy rain was also reported in Dindori on Saturday morning, while Shivpuri witnessed intense rainfall through the night, causing rivers and streams to swell and water to enter several villages.

The IMD has forecast light rain or drizzle in several other parts of the state, including Bhopal, Indore, Ujjain, Gwalior and Jabalpur.

Shivpuri Roads Cut Off

Shivpuri experienced heavy rain on Friday night, particularly around the Pichhore area between 1 am and 3 am.

The rising water level of the Mahuar River led to the closure of the Khod-Pichhore road. Water also entered several villages, including Gurukudvaya.

Fields were inundated, raising concerns about damage to standing crops. In Karera, the river was seen flowing with a strong current for the first time this monsoon season.

While the rainfall brought some relief to residents, the district continues to face a rainfall deficit compared with last year.

MP Records 20% Rainfall Deficit

According to the IMD, Madhya Pradesh has received an average of around 16.8 inches of rainfall so far this monsoon season, against the expected 21 inches during the period.

This represents a deficit of around 4.2 inches, or 20 per cent.

The state's normal seasonal rainfall is around 37.3 inches. Despite fresh rain in several areas, the overall rainfall figure remains below normal.

29 Districts Receive Less Rain

The eastern parts of Madhya Pradesh, including the Jabalpur, Shahdol, Rewa and Sagar divisions, have recorded around 23 per cent less rainfall than normal.

Districts reporting rainfall deficits 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.

Deficits in these districts range between around 5 per cent and 48 per cent.

The western parts of the state, covering Bhopal, Indore, Ujjain, Narmadapuram and Gwalior-Chambal divisions, have recorded around 17 per cent less rainfall than normal.

Six Districts Above Normal

Only six districts in the western part of the state have recorded rainfall above their average levels so far.

These include Gwalior, Bhind, Burhanpur, Dewas, Khandwa and Khargone.

Officials said the overall rainfall pattern remains uneven, with some areas receiving intense spells while several other districts continue to face a deficit.

June and July Also Below Normal

Madhya Pradesh recorded around 14 per cent less rainfall in June.

Although rainfall increased during the initial part of July, the monsoon subsequently went through two breaks, resulting in several relatively dry days.

A strong weather system became active again during the final week of July, bringing rain to several parts of the state. Despite the renewed activity, July rainfall remained around 13 per cent below normal, according to the weather department.

Bhopal's August Rainfall Record

August is generally an active monsoon month in Bhopal. The city's highest monthly August rainfall was around 35 inches in 2006.

The highest 24-hour rainfall recorded in August was nearly 12 inches on August 14, 2006.

Bhopal also received more than 30 inches of rain during August in 2015 and 2022. The city normally receives rain on around 14 days during the month.

Indore's Record Rainfall

Indore's highest August rainfall is around 28 inches, recorded in 1944.

The city's highest 24-hour August rainfall was recorded on August 22, 2020, when around 10.5 inches of rain fell.

Indore normally receives around 10 to 11 inches of rainfall during August, with rain recorded on approximately 12 to 13 days of the month.

Gwalior and Jabalpur Records

Gwalior's highest 24-hour rainfall record for August stands at around 8.5 inches, recorded on August 10, 1927. Its highest monthly August rainfall was around 28 inches in 1916.

Jabalpur has an even higher historical record. The city received around 44 inches of rain in August 1923, the highest monthly figure cited in the data. On August 20 that year, around 13 inches of rain fell within 24 hours.

Jabalpur normally receives around 18 inches of rainfall in August, with rain occurring on approximately 16 days of the month.

For now, the IMD's latest alert indicates that heavy rain activity will remain concentrated in parts of eastern and central Madhya Pradesh, while the state continues to monitor areas where rivers, streams and low-lying settlements are vulnerable to waterlogging.

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.