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.

Madhya Pradesh is likely to see another spell of heavy rain from Wednesday as monsoon activity shifts towards the central, western and northern parts of the state. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an orange alert for extremely heavy rainfall in Bhind, Datia and Sagar for August 26, while several other districts have been warned of heavy rain.

The state has received around 648.7 mm (25.5 inches) of rainfall so far this monsoon season, which is about 68% of the seasonal quota. However, rainfall remains around 11% below normal, with 40 districts recording below-average rainfall and only 15 districts receiving more than their normal rainfall so far.

Heavy Rain Alert for 3 Districts

According to the IMD, extremely heavy rainfall is possible in Bhind, Datia and Sagar on Wednesday. Heavy rainfall has also been forecast for Gwalior, Shivpuri, Guna, Ashoknagar, Vidisha, Raisen, Sehore, Shajapur, Rajgarh, Agar-Malwa, Ujjain, Tikamgarh, Chhatarpur, Panna, Satna, Damoh, Maihar and Seoni.

Several other districts, including Bhopal, Indore, Dhar, Alirajpur, Burhanpur, Barwani, Khandwa, Khargone, Jhabua, Neemuch, Mandsaur, Dewas, Ratlam, Narmadapuram, Betul, Harda, Morena, Sheopur, Jabalpur, Katni, Chhindwara, Narsinghpur, Balaghat, Mandla, Dindori, Pandhurna, Rewa, Sidhi, Singrauli, Mauganj, Shahdol, Umaria, Anuppur and Niwari, may also receive rain ranging from light to heavy.

Bhopal Among Rain-Affected Areas

Bhopal is also expected to receive rain as the monsoon system becomes more active over central Madhya Pradesh. The shift follows a period during which eastern parts of the state received more rainfall activity.

Weather experts have indicated that rainfall activity could continue across several districts for the next few days as the prevailing weather system remains active.

State Still 11% Below Normal

Madhya Pradesh has recorded 648.7 mm of rainfall against the normal 727.9 mm expected by this stage of the monsoon season. This means the state is around 3.1 inches short of its normal rainfall at this point.

The eastern region, covering divisions such as Jabalpur, Rewa, Sagar and Shahdol, has also experienced rainfall deficiencies in several districts. The western region has reported below-normal rainfall across a number of districts as well.

Despite the deficit, rainfall in some districts has exceeded their respective averages.

15 Districts Above Average

According to the available IMD data, Anuppur, Dindori, Niwari, Satna, Shahdol, Sidhi, Singrauli, Umaria, Bhind, Bhopal, Burhanpur, Guna, Gwalior, Khargone and Rajgarh have recorded rainfall above their respective normal levels.

The distribution remains uneven, however, with several districts still facing deficits ranging from a few percentage points to nearly half of their normal rainfall.

June Deficit Yet to Recover

The monsoon began with a rainfall deficit in June, when Madhya Pradesh received around 14% less rain than normal. Rainfall improved during July, helping the state meet the month's overall quota, but subsequent breaks in monsoon activity prevented the June shortfall from being fully recovered.

The state's normal seasonal rainfall is around 37.3 inches, while Bhopal, Indore, Jabalpur and Gwalior generally receive around 38-39 inches during the full monsoon season.

The latest spell of rain could provide some relief to districts still facing a rainfall deficit, although the overall seasonal distribution will depend on how the monsoon performs during the remaining weeks.

Madhya Pradesh is likely to witness another spell of heavy rainfall on Sunday as a low-pressure area and the monsoon trough remain active over the eastern parts of the state. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a heavy rain alert for 14 districts, while several other areas are expected to receive light to moderate showers.

The weather system is expected to remain particularly active over the Jabalpur, Chambal and Narmadapuram divisions. According to the IMD Bhopal forecast, heavy rainfall is likely in Sheopur, Morena, Bhind, Shivpuri, Raisen, Narmadapuram, Betul, Narsinghpur, Chhindwara, Pandhurna, Seoni, Balaghat, Dindori and Sidhi during the next 24 hours.

Bhopal is likely to receive light rain, while several other districts may experience spells of heavy or light rainfall. The forecast comes after widespread rain across eastern Madhya Pradesh on Saturday, with rising water levels in rivers and streams reported from several districts.

Rivers and Streams in Spate

Continuous rainfall pushed several water bodies beyond their normal levels. In Balaghat, the Bhima stream near Nainpur was in spate, disrupting movement in the area.

Narsinghpur also witnessed a rise in the Narmada's water level amid continued rainfall and the opening of gates at Bargi Dam. The bridge at the Barman sand ghat was submerged, while the Jhansighat bridge connecting Narsinghpur and Jabalpur was also nearing inundation.

In Panna, a dumper was swept away in the strong current of the Shahpura River in the Dharampur police station area. The driver, identified as Sunny alias Rohit Singh, reportedly managed to swim to safety.

Road Washed Away in Sidhi

Heavy rain also damaged infrastructure in several parts of the state. In Sidhi, a large section of a road constructed around six months ago at a reported cost of ₹104 crore was washed away by strong water currents.

In Satna's Nagod area, three people were reportedly swept away along with a motorcycle while attempting to cross a swollen drain late Friday night. Two of them, Balendra Singh and Deepu Pandey, managed to swim out, while the third person remained missing.

In Chhatarpur's Maharajpur area, rising water in the Kumhed River created difficulties for residents of Harpai Purwa. Around 250-300 people were reportedly affected as the absence of a bridge makes connectivity difficult during periods of high water.

23-26 August Rain Forecast

Weather expert Shailendra Kumar Naik said eastern Madhya Pradesh remained particularly vulnerable to heavy rainfall on August 21 and 22. Rain activity is expected to continue between August 23 and 26, with the western parts of the state also likely to receive spells of heavy rain.

The IMD has forecast rain ranging from light to heavy across a large part of the state. Besides the 14 districts under the heavy rain alert, areas including Bhopal, Sehore, Rajgarh, Vidisha, Indore, Dhar, Alirajpur, Burhanpur, Barwani, Khandwa, Khargone, Jhabua, Ujjain, Neemuch, Mandsaur, Shajapur, Dewas, Ratlam, Harda, Gwalior, Guna, Datia, Ashoknagar, Jabalpur, Katni, Mandla, Rewa, Satna, Singrauli, Mauganj, Maihar, Shahdol, Umaria, Anuppur, Sagar, Panna, Damoh, Chhatarpur, Tikamgarh and Niwari may receive rain.

Rainfall Deficit in 40 Districts

Despite the recent spell of rain, rainfall remains below normal in several parts of Madhya Pradesh. The eastern divisions of Jabalpur, Rewa, Sagar and Shahdol have recorded rainfall up to 19% below normal.

Several individual districts have recorded deficits ranging from 1% to 51%. These include Balaghat, Chhatarpur, Chhindwara, Damoh, Jabalpur, Katni, Maihar, Dindori, Mandla, Mauganj, Narsinghpur, Niwari, Pandhurna, Panna, Rewa, Sagar, Seoni and Tikamgarh.

In the western region, districts including Agar-Malwa, Alirajpur, Ashoknagar, Betul, Datia, Dewas, Dhar, Harda, Indore, Jhabua, Morena, Mandsaur, Narmadapuram, Neemuch, Raisen, Ratlam, Sehore, Shajapur, Sheopur, Shivpuri, Ujjain and Vidisha have also recorded rainfall below normal.

Bhopal's August Rainfall History

Bhopal typically receives significant rainfall during August. The city recorded around 35 inches of rain during August 2006, its highest monthly August rainfall in the figures cited in the report. The highest 24-hour rainfall was around 12 inches on August 14, 2006.

Jabalpur has recorded even higher August rainfall, with around 44 inches reported in August 1923. The city received about 13 inches in a single day on August 20 that year.

The state receives an average annual rainfall of around 37.3 inches. While June recorded a rainfall deficit, improved rainfall in July and August has helped narrow the gap, although the overall deficit remains.

Monsoon activity is expected to intensify across Madhya Pradesh on Friday, with the Jabalpur, Rewa, Shahdol and Sagar divisions likely to witness heavy rainfall. The weather system over the Bay of Bengal has strengthened and is expected to keep the monsoon trough active over the state.

According to the weather department, 12 districts could receive more than 4 inches of rain in the next 24 hours. These include Sagar, Narmadapuram, Narsinghpur, Balaghat, Mandla, Dindori, Anuppur, Shahdol, Katni, Mauganj, Sidhi and Singrauli.

Heavy Rain in Eastern MP

The eastern parts of Madhya Pradesh are expected to see the strongest rainfall activity.

Apart from the 12 districts under the heavier alert, several other parts of the state may receive moderate to light rain, with isolated spells of intense showers.

Bhopal, Raisen, Sehore, Rajgarh, Vidisha, Indore, Dhar, Alirajpur, Burhanpur, Barwani, Khandwa, Khargone, Jhabua, Ujjain, Neemuch, Agar-Malwa, Mandsaur, Shajapur, Dewas, Ratlam, Betul, Harda, Gwalior, Guna, Shivpuri, Datia, Ashoknagar, Morena, Bhind, Sheopur, Jabalpur, Chhindwara, Seoni, Pandhurna, Rewa, Satna, Maihar, Umaria, Panna, Damoh, Chhatarpur, Tikamgarh and Niwari may also receive rainfall.

Depression Drives Monsoon Activity

Weather expert Shailendra Kumar Nayak said a low-pressure area formed over the Bay of Bengal on the morning of August 12 and intensified into a depression on August 13.

The system is moving towards the northwest, in the direction of West Bengal and Jharkhand.

Its influence is expected to keep the monsoon trough active, resulting in another spell of rain across Madhya Pradesh over the next few days. Heavy to very heavy rainfall is possible in parts of eastern Madhya Pradesh.

Rainfall on Thursday also brought relief from humid conditions in several areas after a prolonged break in monsoon activity.

MP Records 20.7 Inches Rain

Madhya Pradesh has received around 524.8 mm (20.7 inches) of rainfall so far this monsoon season, according to the state weather centre.

The figure is around 2.8 inches below the normal rainfall of 597 mm (23.5 inches) for the period, representing an overall rainfall deficit of about 12 per cent.

The eastern part of the state has received around 20 per cent less rainfall, while the western region is around 5 per cent below its average.

The Jabalpur, Rewa, Sagar and Shahdol divisions have recorded a rainfall deficit of up to around 19 per cent.

12 Districts Above Normal

Despite the overall deficit, some districts have received more rainfall than their respective averages.

These include Bhopal, Guna, Sehore, Rajgarh, Gwalior, Anuppur, Bhind, Burhanpur, Dewas, Barwani, Khandwa and Khargone.

The uneven distribution of rainfall remains a feature of this year's monsoon, with some districts reporting substantial deficits while others have received above-normal precipitation.

What to Expect in Bhopal, Indore

Bhopal and Indore are likely to receive light to moderate rainfall, with isolated heavier showers possible.

The renewed monsoon activity could bring temporary relief from humidity, while temperatures are expected to remain relatively moderate because of cloud cover and rainfall.

Historical Rainfall Records

Madhya Pradesh's major cities have recorded some exceptionally heavy August rainfall in the past.

Bhopal: The city's highest August rainfall was recorded in 2006, when around 35 inches fell during the month. The highest 24-hour rainfall was nearly 12 inches on August 14, 2006.

Indore: August rainfall reached around 28 inches in 1944. The city's highest 24-hour August rainfall was around 10.5 inches on August 22, 2020.

Gwalior: The city recorded around 8.5 inches of rain within 24 hours on August 10, 1927. Its highest monthly August rainfall was around 28 inches in 1916.

Jabalpur: The city recorded around 44 inches of rainfall in August 1923. The month also saw an extremely heavy 24-hour spell of around 13 inches.

Ujjain: Around 35 inches of rainfall was recorded in August 2006, its highest monthly August total. The city also recorded around 12 inches in 24 hours during the same month.

Rain Activity Likely to Continue

With the depression moving towards central India and the monsoon trough remaining active, rainfall activity is expected to continue across Madhya Pradesh over the coming days.

The eastern districts are likely to remain the main focus of heavy rainfall, while other parts of the state could see intermittent showers. Residents in areas under the heavier rainfall alert have been advised to remain cautious, particularly near waterlogged areas and during periods of intense rain.

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 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.

BHOPAL: The monsoon has picked up pace again across Madhya Pradesh with the beginning of the Shravan month, and the next 48 hours could bring intense rainfall to several parts of the state. Three weather systems are currently active, prompting the weather department to issue warnings for heavy to very heavy rain, particularly across western and central Madhya Pradesh. Indore and Ujjain divisions are expected to remain among the most affected areas on Friday and Saturday. According to weather officials, moisture is continuously entering the state from the Arabian Sea and the Bay of Bengal due to the active systems, creating favourable conditions for widespread rainfall. Several districts witnessed good rain on the first day of Shravan itself, including Indore, Ujjain, Dhar, Ratlam, Jhabua, Betul and Bhopal. Waterlogging was reported from some places following continuous showers. In Betul district, the rain also turned fatal when a railway boundary wall collapsed on a hut, killing a young man. Local authorities reached the spot and started relief operations. With more rain expected, people have been advised to stay away from dilapidated structures, kutcha houses and overflowing rivers and drains.

The weather department has issued a very heavy rainfall alert for Ratlam, Jhabua, Alirajpur and Dhar districts. Heavy rain is also expected in Neemuch, Agar Malwa, Ujjain, Dewas, Barwani, Khargone, Burhanpur and Chhindwara. Bhopal, Vidisha, Raisen and nearby areas are also likely to receive intermittent showers. Officials have warned that some places could receive a large amount of rainfall within a short period, increasing the possibility of overflowing streams and waterlogging in low-lying areas. Residents in vulnerable locations have been asked to remain particularly cautious and avoid unnecessary travel during spells of intense rain. The administration has also advised people to keep track of weather warnings and follow instructions issued by local authorities. For farmers, the fresh spell could provide much-needed moisture for kharif crops, although excessive rainfall could create another problem if water remains accumulated in fields for long periods. The situation will therefore depend on how intense and concentrated the rain becomes over the next two days.

Madhya Pradesh has so far received an average of around 14.7 inches of rainfall during the current monsoon season, which is approximately 2.5 inches below the normal average, according to the figures provided. As many as 47 districts have recorded below-normal rainfall so far, though the picture is different in some parts of the state. Bhopal, Indore, Burhanpur, Bhind, Dewas, Mandsaur, Sehore and Rajgarh have already received above-normal rainfall. With the Madhya Pradesh monsoon systems remaining active, the weather department expects the rainfall deficit to reduce if the current spell continues in the coming days. Meanwhile, persistent showers have begun affecting normal life in several cities. Roads have turned slippery, traffic has slowed at some locations and movement on kutcha roads in rural areas has become difficult. Heavy rain could also affect electricity and drinking water arrangements in vulnerable locations. Concerned departments have been kept on alert so that emergency situations can be handled quickly. District-level control rooms and disaster management teams have also been asked to remain prepared as the state enters another active phase of the monsoon.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast widespread rainfall and thunderstorms across Madhya Pradesh on Monday, July 27, as a Depression over the northwest Bay of Bengal is expected to intensify into a Deep Depression before crossing the Odisha-West Bengal coast.

According to the IMD, rain activity is likely to intensify over the state due to the active monsoon trough and associated weather systems. Thunderstorms accompanied by lightning and gusty winds of 30-40 kmph are likely at isolated places across more than 50 districts.

Rainfall Distribution

The weather office has predicted:

• Rain at many places in Anuppur, Shahdol, Umaria, Dindori, Katni, Jabalpur, Chhindwara, Seoni, Mandla, Balaghat and Pandhurna.

• Rain at a few places in Raisen, Narmadapuram, Betul, Harda, Singrauli, Sidhi, Rewa, Mauganj, Satna, Narsinghpur, Panna, Damoh, Sagar, Chhatarpur, Tikamgarh, Niwari and Maihar.

• Rain at isolated places in Bhopal, Vidisha, Sehore, Rajgarh, Indore, Ujjain, Dewas, Dhar, Ratlam, Mandsaur, Neemuch, Gwalior, Morena, Bhind, Datia, Shivpuri, Guna, Ashoknagar, Khargone, Khandwa, Burhanpur, Barwani, Alirajpur and Jhabua.

Thunderstorm Warning

The IMD has issued a warning for lightning, thunderstorms and gusty winds (30–40 kmph) for districts including Bhopal, Indore, Ujjain, Gwalior, Jabalpur, Shahdol, Rewa, Sehore, Raisen, Dewas, Ratlam, Dhar, Mandsaur, Neemuch, Chhindwara, Balaghat, Panna, Sagar and Tikamgarh.

Residents have been advised to avoid open areas during thunderstorms, stay away from trees and electric poles, unplug electrical appliances during lightning, and avoid unnecessary travel during severe weather.

Bhopal Forecast

For Bhopal, the IMD has forecast a generally cloudy sky with thunderstorms, lightning and rainfall during the day. The city is expected to record a maximum temperature of 29°C and a minimum temperature of 23°C.

Farm Advisory

The IMD has advised farmers to postpone irrigation, fertilizer application and pesticide spraying during rainfall. Farmers have also been asked to ensure proper drainage in fields, secure harvested produce and machinery, and keep livestock in protected shelters.

The weather office added that temperatures over eastern Madhya Pradesh are expected to decline by 2–3°C over the next three days as rainfall activity increases.

Madhya Pradesh is experiencing one of its strongest monsoon spells of the season, with continuous rainfall over the past 60 hours driven by three active weather systems. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast heavy to very heavy rainfall across several parts of the state over the next 24 hours, prompting weather alerts in multiple districts.

According to IMD officials, the ongoing rainfall is being caused by the combined influence of an active monsoon trough, an upper-air cyclonic circulation, and an east-west shear zone. Together, these systems have created ideal conditions for widespread and persistent rainfall across central and western Madhya Pradesh.

Heavy Rain Continues Across the State

Rainfall has been reported in more than 40 districts, including major cities such as Bhopal, Indore, Ujjain, and Jabalpur. The prolonged showers have led to waterlogging in low-lying areas, disrupted traffic in several cities, and significantly lowered daytime temperatures.

At the same time, the sustained rainfall has improved water levels in rivers, reservoirs, and other water bodies, offering relief after an earlier rainfall deficit during the monsoon season.

IMD Issues Heavy Rain Alert for 17 Districts

The IMD has issued an Orange Alert for very heavy rainfall in:

• Alirajpur
• Dhar
• Barwani
• Khargone

A heavy rainfall warning has also been issued for:

• Neemuch
• Ratlam
• Ujjain
• Indore
• Sehore
• Seoni
• Mandla
• Balaghat
• Umaria
• Rewa
• Mauganj
• Sidhi
• Singrauli

Several other districts, including Bhopal, Raisen, Vidisha, Dewas, Gwalior, Jabalpur, Sagar, and Chhindwara, are expected to experience intermittent light to heavy showers throughout the day.

Why Is Rainfall So Intense?

According to weather experts, the primary reason behind the ongoing wet spell is a strong upper-air cyclonic circulation extending up to 7.6 kilometres above north-central Madhya Pradesh.

The active monsoon trough currently stretches from Bikaner through Banasthali, Guna, Damoh, Pendra Road, and Medinipur before reaching the northeast Bay of Bengal. This system is continuously drawing moisture from both the Arabian Sea and the Bay of Bengal, providing abundant moisture for cloud formation.

An additional east-west shear zone near 22° North latitude is strengthening thundercloud development, leading to spells of intense rainfall within short durations. Meteorologists say two additional supporting weather systems are also contributing to the widespread rainfall across the state.

Rainfall Deficit Narrows

The recent spell has helped improve Madhya Pradesh's seasonal rainfall position.

The state's rainfall deficit has steadily narrowed over the past three days:

• Monday: 17% below normal
• Tuesday: 14% below normal
• Wednesday: 11% below normal

So far this monsoon season, Madhya Pradesh has recorded approximately 307.9 mm of rainfall against the seasonal normal of 347.7 mm.

Eastern Madhya Pradesh remains around 15% below normal, while western Madhya Pradesh is approximately 8% below average.

Most Districts Still Await Normal Rainfall

Despite the recent improvement, 41 districts continue to receive below-normal rainfall. Most districts in eastern Madhya Pradesh remain deficient, with Niwari being one of the few exceptions.

Only 14 districts have recorded above-normal rainfall so far this season, including Bhopal, Indore, Ujjain, Sehore, Dewas, Harda, Rajgarh, Khargone, Neemuch, Burhanpur, Khandwa, Bhind, Agar Malwa, and Niwari.

Dewas Records Highest Rainfall

Among all districts, Dewas has received the highest rainfall so far, recording approximately 18.5 inches, nearly 49% above normal.

Other districts with significant rainfall include:

• Balaghat: 18 inches
• Sehore: 17.2 inches
• Seoni: 17 inches
• Bhopal: 16.4 inches
• Harda, Damoh, and Dindori: Around 16 inches each

In contrast, Alirajpur has recorded the lowest seasonal rainfall, with around 2.5 inches.

July Remains the Most Important Monsoon Month

Meteorologists note that July typically contributes nearly 40% of Madhya Pradesh's annual rainfall, making it the most crucial month of the southwest monsoon.

Although rainfall remained below normal during June and a prolonged dry spell affected early July, the current active weather systems are expected to further reduce the rainfall deficit if the wet spell continues over the coming days.

The IMD has advised residents in affected districts to remain alert for localized flooding, waterlogging, reduced visibility, and possible traffic disruptions as heavy rainfall is likely to persist over the next 24 hours.

The southwest monsoon has intensified across Madhya Pradesh, triggering widespread rainfall and significantly improving weather conditions across the state. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), more than 35 districts received rainfall during the past 24 hours, with moisture-laden winds from both the Arabian Sea and the Bay of Bengal continuing to fuel the active monsoon system.

The highest rainfall was recorded in Narmadapuram, where 4.2 inches of rain was measured. The persistent showers have brought relief from humid conditions but have also led to waterlogging in several urban areas. Weather officials have issued a heavy to very heavy rainfall alert for multiple districts over the next two days and advised residents to remain cautious.

Narmadapuram Tops Rainfall Chart

Besides Narmadapuram, several districts witnessed substantial rainfall during the last 24 hours. Narsinghpur received 2.5 inches, followed by Rajgarh (2.4 inches), Sehore and Malajkhand (2.2 inches each), and Bhopal (2.1 inches).

Moderate to heavy rainfall was also recorded in Pachmarhi and Mandla (1.8 inches each), Sheopur (1.5 inches), Seoni (1.3 inches), and Khargone (1.1 inches).

Rain and gusty winds were also reported from Umaria, Chhindwara, Shivpuri, Tikamgarh, Khandwa, Chhatarpur, Satna, Betul, Damoh, Jabalpur, Indore, Ratlam, Datia, Ujjain, Dhar, Sidhi, Gwalior, Sagar, Shajapur, Vidisha, Dewas, Agar Malwa, Barwani and Burhanpur, among other districts.

Why the Monsoon Is So Active

Meteorologist Shailendra Kumar Nayak said the southwest monsoon has regained strength due to a combination of favourable atmospheric conditions. A low-pressure system, continuous moisture inflow, and widespread cloud cover have created ideal conditions for sustained rainfall across the state.

Moisture levels have remained exceptionally high, with relative humidity ranging between 75% and 95% in many regions. This has helped thunderclouds develop rapidly, resulting in repeated spells of rain.

Southwest and west-southwest winds blowing at 10 to 20 kmph, with gusts reaching 30 to 40 kmph in isolated areas, are transporting abundant moisture from the Arabian Sea and the Bay of Bengal, further strengthening the monsoon activity.

Cooler Temperatures Bring Relief

Continuous rainfall has led to a noticeable drop in temperatures across Madhya Pradesh. Minimum temperatures in most cities remained between 22°C and 26°C, providing welcome relief from heat and humidity.

Morning weather remained cool and pleasant across both eastern and western parts of the state, while cloudy skies persisted throughout the day in several districts.

Heavy Rain Alert for Next 48 Hours

The IMD has forecast that the active monsoon conditions will continue over the next 24 to 48 hours. Heavy to very heavy rainfall is likely in Bhopal, Narmadapuram, Jabalpur, Sagar, Rewa, Shahdol, Mandla, Dindori, Chhindwara, Betul, and adjoining districts.

Authorities have advised residents living near rivers, streams, and low-lying areas to remain alert due to the possibility of waterlogging and a sudden rise in water levels. People have also been urged to avoid unnecessary travel during periods of intense rainfall and to follow local weather advisories.

Historic July Rainfall Records

July remains the wettest month for most parts of Madhya Pradesh, with several cities having recorded remarkable rainfall over the decades.

Indore witnessed its highest 24-hour rainfall of 11.5 inches on 27 July 1913, while Bhopal recorded nearly 41 inches of rainfall during July 1986. The capital's all-time highest single-day July rainfall remains 11 inches, recorded on 22 July 1973.

Jabalpur has historically received the highest monthly rainfall among the state's major cities, with nearly 45 inches recorded in 1930, while Gwalior, comparatively drier, has an average July rainfall of around 9 inches.

With the monsoon now fully active and moisture-rich weather systems continuing to influence central India, meteorologists expect rainfall activity to remain widespread over the coming days.

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.