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.

The southwest monsoon has now covered all parts of Madhya Pradesh, bringing widespread rain across the state on Thursday.

Bhopal, Sehore, Ratlam, Gwalior, Rewa, and Damoh received good rainfall. In Damoh, several areas witnessed flood-like conditions as rivers and streams swelled. In Indore, heavy showers caused waterlogging, with a Thar vehicle falling into a drain. In Sehore’s Ashta, roads turned into rivers with parked motorcycles seen floating in the water.

The India Meteorological Department has issued an orange alert for very heavy rainfall in Harda, Narmadapuram, Raisen, Chhindwara, Pandhurna, and Balaghat. Yellow alert for heavy rain has been issued in Ashoknagar, Dewas, Khandwa, Betul, Sagar, Mandla, and Dindori.

The monsoon entered the state on June 24 and took nine days to cover the entire region. June recorded 33 per cent below-normal rainfall. The fresh activity is expected to help bridge the deficit.

Tragedy was reported in Khargone where two people died after being struck by lightning. In Betul, two men swept away by the Champa river were found dead.

The coming days are likely to see more widespread rain, bringing relief from the heat but also raising concerns of waterlogging and landslides in vulnerable areas.

The southwest monsoon has gained momentum across Madhya Pradesh, reaching seven more divisions and bringing widespread rain, with the weather department issuing a very heavy rainfall alert for seven districts.

Balaghat received heavy downpour from early Wednesday morning, while rain was also reported in Katni, Sehore, and Umaria. In Sehore’s Ashta, heavy showers led to waterlogging on roads, with parked motorcycles seen floating in floodwaters. A video of the scene has gone viral.

The IMD has warned of very heavy rainfall in Balaghat and Dindori, while heavy rain is likely in Dewas, Harda, Betul, Pandhurna, and Chhindwara. Thunderstorms and lightning are expected in many areas.

Tragedies were also reported amid the rain. In Khargone, two people died after being struck by lightning. In Betul, two men who were swept away by the swollen Champa river were found dead the next morning.

The monsoon, which had entered 15 districts on June 24, has now covered most parts of the state. Only Ujjain, Gwalior, and Chambal divisions are yet to be fully covered, likely in the next one to two days.

June saw 33 per cent below-normal rainfall in the state, with only 88.2 mm recorded against the normal 131.1 mm. However, the fresh spell is expected to improve the situation significantly.

The coming week will be crucial for farmers as widespread rain is likely to support kharif sowing activities. Authorities have advised people to remain cautious during thunderstorms and avoid waterlogged areas.

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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.

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 incident occurred on Friday night in Dubi village under Govindgarh police station limits; villagers demand compensation for the family.

A 30-year-old woman was killed after being struck by lightning in Rewa district's Govindgarh area on Friday night. The victim, identified as Sunita Patel, was working in her field sowing paddy when the bolt struck.

According to villagers, the weather suddenly turned hostile with thunder and rain. Before she could take cover, lightning struck directly, killing her on the spot.

Local residents rushed to the spot after hearing the thunderclap but found her already dead. The Govindgarh police reached the site after receiving information and sent the body for post-mortem examination.

Family in Grief, Village in Mourning

Patel's family members are in a state of shock and grief. The entire village has come together to offer condolences. Residents have demanded that the administration provide immediate financial assistance to the bereaved family.

Rising Concern Over Lightning Strikes

This incident comes amid a spate of lightning-related deaths across Madhya Pradesh. With monsoon activity picking up across the state, officials have repeatedly warned farmers and rural residents to take precautions during thunderstorms.

Meteorological department data suggests lightning strikes have claimed dozens of lives in the region over the past few years, with farmers working in open fields particularly vulnerable.

District authorities have urged residents to avoid working in open fields during thunderstorms and to seek shelter in safe structures when lightning is sighted.

Further details on the compensation provided to the family are awaited.

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.

Monsoon remains elusive; Jabalpur, Mandla, Damoh, Umaria under heatwave warning; Bhopal among 30 districts set for rain with gusty winds

The wait for monsoon in Madhya Pradesh continues to stretch, with the state recording 52 per cent less rainfall than normal between June 1 and June 22. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the state was expected to receive an average of 70.9 mm of rainfall during this period, but only 34.3 mm has been recorded so far.

Forty-eight districts, including Indore, Ujjain and Gwalior, have received below-normal rainfall. Eastern Madhya Pradesh — comprising Jabalpur, Rewa, Sagar and Shahdol divisions — has reported a deficit of 71 per cent, while the western region, including Bhopal, Indore, Ujjain, Narmadapuram and Gwalior-Chambal, has recorded 33 per cent less rainfall.

Heatwave Alert in 4 Districts

The IMD has issued a heatwave warning for Tuesday (June 23) in Jabalpur, Mandla, Damoh and Umaria. Temperatures in these districts are likely to remain between 40°C and 42°C.

Datia recorded the highest temperature in the state on Monday at 42.2°C. Gwalior followed at 40.2°C, while Jabalpur settled at 36°C, Bhopal at 35.2°C, Ujjain at 35°C and Indore at 34.7°C. Pachmarhi remained the coolest at 31.6°C.

Rain and Thunderstorm Alert in 30 Districts

The weather department has forecast thunderstorms with gusty winds reaching speeds of 40 to 60 kmph in approximately 30 districts on Tuesday.

Districts likely to receive rain include Bhopal, Indore, Dhar, Jhabua, Barwani, Khargone, Khandwa, Burhanpur, Dewas, Sehore, Harda, Narmadapuram, Raisen, Vidisha, Sagar, Narsinghpur, Chhindwara, Seoni, Balaghat, Dindori, Anuppur, Gwalior, Morena, Bhind, Datia, Sheopur, Betul, Pandhurna, Alirajpur and Shahdol.

Areas including Neemuch, Mandsaur, Ratlam, Ujjain, Shajapur, Guna, Shivpuri, Tikamgarh, Chhatarpur, Panna, Rewa and Singrauli are expected to remain under hot weather conditions.

Kharif Sowing Affected

The rainfall deficit has slowed the sowing of Kharif crops, particularly soybean. Agricultural scientists say soil becomes suitable for sowing only after receiving approximately 4 inches of rainfall. According to current data, Bhopal is the only district to have crossed that mark, having recorded 4.6 inches of rainfall — 53 per cent above normal.

Monsoon Entry Expected in 2-3 Days

The normal date for monsoon arrival in Madhya Pradesh is June 15, but this year it has been delayed by about eight days. Weather officials expect the monsoon to enter the state within the next two to three days.

The IMD has stated that conditions are favourable for the monsoon to advance further in the next 48 hours, and there is a possibility that it may enter Madhya Pradesh before June 27-28.

Pre-monsoon activity continued across the state on Monday, with Dhar receiving around 2 inches of rainfall and Bhopal recording three-quarters of an inch. Rain and thunderstorms were also reported in Indore, Khandwa, Raisen, Rajgarh, Ujjain, Chhindwara, Jabalpur, Sagar, Satna and Barwani.

Why the Deficit?

So far, June has largely witnessed pre-monsoon weather conditions. The delayed arrival has significantly impacted rainfall figures. An early monsoon onset typically brings a heavy spell of rain, but this year the system has remained sluggish.

The monsoon's northern limit currently passes through Alibag, Pune, Nizamabad, Dantewada, Balangir, Sundargarh, Chatra, Gaya and Muzaffarpur. Met officials said Madhya Pradesh may have to wait a little longer, as the timing of the monsoon's entry will largely depend on wind patterns after the system advances deeper into Maharashtra and Chhattisgarh.

The southwest monsoon has remained stuck for 11 days, leaving 19 states awaiting widespread rainfall as multiple weather systems and emerging El Niño signals slow its progress.

The southwest monsoon has lost momentum after making rapid progress across large parts of the country earlier this month, leaving several states waiting for sustained rainfall. Weather officials say a combination of five active atmospheric systems is currently affecting monsoon circulation, resulting in a significant slowdown and widening rainfall deficits across India.

The monsoon, which reached Telangana on June 8, has remained virtually stationary since then. Over the past 11 days, it has failed to advance further into several regions, raising concerns among farmers and state administrations as temperatures continue to remain high in many areas.

According to rainfall data between June 1 and June 18, India has recorded 38% below-normal precipitation. Maharashtra and Gujarat have emerged among the worst-affected states, reporting rainfall deficits of around 78% and 79%, respectively.

Moisture Flow Weakens

Meteorologists attribute the slowdown to a rare situation where multiple weather systems are operating simultaneously and interfering with the normal monsoon pattern.

Moisture-bearing winds from the Arabian Sea have weakened, while cloud bands moving northward from southern India have failed to advance as expected. These disruptions have prevented the monsoon current from strengthening over central and northern parts of the country.

As a result, widespread monsoon rainfall remains absent across several regions despite favourable calendar dates for its arrival.

Heat Persists Despite Showers

Pre-monsoon activity continues in parts of Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Rajasthan, Haryana, Delhi and Chhattisgarh. However, these scattered showers have not been enough to bring lasting relief from the heat.

Several locations across seven states recorded temperatures above 40°C on Wednesday. Banda in Uttar Pradesh emerged as the hottest place in the country at 43.2°C.

Temperatures also crossed 42°C in parts of Odisha and Maharashtra, while districts in Bihar, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh and Madhya Pradesh continued to experience intense daytime heat.

The combination of delayed monsoon rainfall and persistent high temperatures has increased discomfort levels, particularly in rural areas dependent on early-season agricultural activity.

El Niño Concerns Return

Adding to concerns, recent observations from the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) suggest early signs of developing El Niño conditions.

According to the report, the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ), a critical weather belt that helps draw moisture towards the Indian subcontinent, has not shifted northward at its usual pace. The delayed movement has contributed to the sluggish advance of the monsoon.

Satellite imagery indicates active thunderstorm development over eastern India, while cloud cover remains comparatively weak across Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Gujarat and large parts of western India.

Experts caution that if El Niño conditions strengthen, rainfall distribution during the season could become uneven, increasing the likelihood of prolonged dry spells in some regions.

Heavy Rain In North Bengal

While many states await monsoon rains, parts of West Bengal have witnessed the opposite situation.

Heavy rainfall in Darjeeling district led to the collapse of a bridge over the swollen Balason River, disrupting road connectivity between Siliguri and the Mirik subdivision. North Bengal districts including Darjeeling, Kalimpong and Jalpaiguri have received intense rainfall over the past two days following the monsoon's arrival in the state on June 9.

Authorities are monitoring vulnerable areas as rain-related incidents continue to be reported.

Relief Expected Soon

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has indicated that conditions may improve over the next four to five days.

Officials say the current jet stream pattern, which has been restricting monsoon movement, is expected to weaken gradually. This could allow the monsoon to regain strength and advance into Maharashtra, Karnataka, Chhattisgarh and adjoining regions.

Rainfall activity is also expected to increase across eastern India, the Northeast and parts of central India over the next few days.

States Remain On Alert

Several states have already issued weather advisories. Rajasthan has placed more than 30 districts under thunderstorm and rainfall alerts, while Bihar remains under an orange alert for strong winds and rain. Uttarakhand has warned Char Dham pilgrims and residents in vulnerable districts to remain cautious amid forecasts of fresh showers.

In Madhya Pradesh, where rainfall remains 39% below normal, the monsoon is now expected to arrive around June 25, nearly 10 days later than its usual schedule.

With the sowing season approaching in many regions, the progress of the monsoon over the coming week will be closely watched by farmers, policymakers and weather experts alike.

Despite the current slowdown, meteorologists remain optimistic that conditions could become favorable for the monsoon to advance again within the next 4–5 days, with progress likely resuming between June 21 and June 23.

Third Consecutive Year of June Slowdown

The western branch of the monsoon has faced interruptions in recent years as well. In 2024, its advance slowed for about 8–9 days during the second week of June. In 2025, it remained nearly stationary along the Maharashtra coast for almost three weeks.

Weather experts note that such pauses do not necessarily indicate a weak monsoon season. Instead, rainfall often becomes concentrated into fewer days, resulting in more intense downpours when weather systems become active.

Why Has the Monsoon Stalled?

Meteorologists attribute the slowdown primarily to the delayed activation of the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ), a crucial weather system that normally shifts northward by mid-June and helps draw moisture-laden winds toward India.

Satellite observations from the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) also suggest that El Niño conditions are beginning to develop, which can lead to prolonged dry spells and uneven rainfall distribution across the country.

While thunderstorm activity remains active over eastern India, cloud cover has been relatively weak across Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Maharashtra, and parts of western India, slowing the monsoon's progress.

Monsoon Progress So Far

After arriving in Kerala on June 4, the southwest monsoon advanced rapidly through 19 states within 14 days. However, it has remained stalled near Bhadrachalam in Telangana for the past week.

As a result, monsoon rains have been delayed in several regions, including Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Maharashtra, and parts of central India, where farmers are eagerly awaiting widespread rainfall for sowing activities.

Pre-Monsoon Activity Continues

Even as the monsoon remains stalled, pre-monsoon showers have been reported in several states, including:

• Madhya Pradesh
• Uttar Pradesh
• Bihar
• Rajasthan
• Himachal Pradesh
• Chhattisgarh

Heavy rainfall affected parts of Bihar on Wednesday, while strong winds caused localized damage in Rajasthan, including uprooted trees and collapsed structures in Jaipur and Udaipur.

Heatwave Conditions Persist

The delayed monsoon has allowed heatwave conditions to continue across large parts of the country. Temperatures exceeded 40°C in several cities across:

• Uttar Pradesh
• Madhya Pradesh
• Bihar
• Jharkhand
• Odisha
• Telangana
• Andhra Pradesh
• Maharashtra

The highest temperature recorded in the country was 45°C in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh.

Rainfall Forecast

June 19

• Rain likely over Bihar, Jharkhand, Odisha, West Bengal and Sikkim.
• Heavy rainfall expected in parts of Assam, Meghalaya, Arunachal Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and Karnataka.
• Thunderstorms and gusty winds likely in Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh.

June 20

• Heavy rain expected in Sikkim, North Bengal, Assam and Meghalaya.
• Thunderstorms with strong winds likely in Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh.
• Rainfall activity may continue in Maharashtra, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Puducherry.

When Will the Monsoon Advance Again?

According to IMD, the current pause is linked to upper-atmospheric jet stream patterns, which are influencing the movement of monsoon clouds. Once these fast-moving winds weaken, monsoon currents are expected to strengthen and advance into Maharashtra, Karnataka, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, and adjoining regions.

Weather experts expect the next significant phase of monsoon advancement to begin by the third week of June, bringing relief from intense heat and improving conditions for agriculture across much of India.

Strong pre-monsoon activity has gripped Madhya Pradesh, bringing gusty winds exceeding 70 kmph, heavy showers, and scattered hail in several districts. With the southwest monsoon running 3-4 days behind schedule, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) indicates it could enter the state around June 18.

Saturday saw sudden weather shifts across the state. In Bhopal and surrounding areas like Narsinghpur, Sehore, Narmadapuram, Pachmarhi, and Pipariya, thunderstorms accompanied by intense rain disrupted normal life. The impact was particularly severe in Itarsi, where a tree fell on an ambulance and a power department worker narrowly escaped injury. Fallen trees blocked roads, electricity lines snapped, and a fair's main gate was uprooted.

Gusty Winds and Rain Alert

IMD Bhopal has reported wind speeds touching or crossing 70 kmph in multiple places on Saturday. An orange alert for severe thunderstorms remains in place for Shivpuri and Ashoknagar on Sunday. Many other districts, including Gwalior, Guna, Datia, Morena, Bhind, Sheopur, Neemuch, Mandsaur, Agar-Malwa, Rajgarh, Vidisha, Sagar, Chhindwara, Pandhurna, Seoni, Balaghat, Mandla, Dindori, Anuppur, Jabalpur, Katni, Damoh, Panna, Chhatarpur, Tikamgarh, and Niwari, are expected to receive rainfall.

A trough line's activity is driving these conditions. The next four days are likely to see continued pre-monsoon spells of thunder, rain, and gusty winds in various parts.

Temperature Dip Provides Relief

Daytime temperatures dropped noticeably in several cities. Bhopal recorded 39.1°C, Indore 38.1°C, while Gwalior saw the lowest among major centres at 34.6°C. Rajgarh touched the highest at 41°C. Shivpuri recorded the state's lowest at 33°C. This partial relief from the heat comes as a welcome change for residents amid the pre-monsoon disturbances.

Damage in Itarsi and Other Areas

In Itarsi, the combination of strong winds and rain caused significant local disruption. Emergency services had to respond quickly as trees blocked pathways and power supply was affected. Similar incidents of fallen trees were reported from other pockets, highlighting the vulnerability of infrastructure during these sudden squalls.

Pachmarhi received moderate rain lasting about half an hour on Saturday, while Sagar and Dindori also witnessed showers. Guna experienced strong winds.

Historical Context of June Weather

Madhya Pradesh often sees a mix of heat and pre-monsoon rain in June. In Bhopal, out of the last 14 years, seven recorded rain during the Nautapa period, with two instances of light drizzles. Past years like 2018 and 2019 were notably hotter, with average temperatures crossing 43°C. June trends in major cities show variability: Indore has seen up to 4-5 inches of rain in some years, while Gwalior has recorded extreme highs near 48°C in the past. Jabalpur, often among the first to receive monsoon, has a history of good June showers.

Monsoon Outlook and Public Impact

Officials indicate the monsoon may advance into Madhya Pradesh between June 15 and 18, depending on further progress over neighbouring regions. Pre-monsoon activity is expected to persist until then. Farmers and residents are closely watching these developments as the state prepares for the sowing season.

The current spells have brought much-needed moisture but also risks of localised damage, power outages, and traffic disruptions. Authorities have advised caution during thunderstorms, especially in vulnerable districts.

As the trough remains active, the coming days will likely feature a continuation of thundery weather interspersed with spells of rain. Meteorologists will monitor conditions for the formal monsoon onset announcement in the state.