The weather in Madhya Pradesh has turned turbulent again. After the official withdrawal of the monsoon on October 13, the state is still witnessing heavy rain and strong thunderstorms. On Tuesday, rain fell in seven districts including Ratlam, Ujjain, and Shivpuri, while Bhopal and Indore saw strong winds and lightning.
The Meteorological Department has issued a heavy rain warning for 11 districts, Sheopur, Morena, Burhanpur, Betul, Chhindwara, Pandhurna, Seoni, Mandla, Balaghat, Dindori, and Anuppur. The situation is likely to continue for the next four days.
According to the weather office, three systems are currently affecting the state: a depression over the Arabian Sea, a trough passing near Madhya Pradesh, and a cyclonic circulation in North India. Together, these systems are drawing moisture into central India, causing widespread rain and thunderstorms.
Senior meteorologist Dr. Divya E. Surendran explained, “The combination of these systems and the effect of storm Montha are responsible for the ongoing rainfall. We expect this pattern to last for at least four more days.”
Cyclone Montha, active over the Arabian Sea, is pushing humid air toward central India. This has intensified thunderstorms and heavy rain across Madhya Pradesh. The system’s impact is expected to grow stronger within the next 24 hours, particularly in western and northern districts.
“Montha’s influence is visible in the strength of winds and lightning activity we are observing,” said Dr. Surendran. “The moisture from the Arabian Sea is meeting local weather systems, leading to severe thunderstorms.”
Rain and Crop Damage
On Tuesday, rainfall was reported in Betul, Dhar, Ratlam, Morena, Gwalior, Sheopur, Shivpuri, Rewa, and Umaria. Bhopal saw strong thunderstorms that caused minor damage in several areas. Farmers in parts of the state reported losses to paddy and soybean crops due to waterlogging and strong winds.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) confirmed that the monsoon fully withdrew from Madhya Pradesh on October 13 after remaining active for 3 months and 28 days. It entered the state on June 16 this year. Despite the monsoon’s departure, rain has persisted due to the new weather systems.
Meteorologists say the last week of October will remain wet, with the heaviest rainfall expected on October 30. After that, cold winds are likely to set in. “We expect a quick drop in temperatures once these systems weaken,” Dr. Surendran said.
Coldest Winter Since 2010?
The IMD predicts that this winter could be the coldest since 2010. “The cold season will begin in November and continue till February,” said an IMD official. “More rain than normal is expected this winter due to frequent western disturbances. La Niña conditions are also developing, which will strengthen the cold.”
This year, Madhya Pradesh received 15 percent more rainfall than normal. Out of 52 districts, 50 met or exceeded their rainfall quota. The Guna district recorded the highest rainfall, while Shajapur received the lowest at 81 percent of its normal.
| City | Temperature (°C) | Weather Forecast |
|---|---|---|
| Bhopal | 26°C | Thunderstorms, light rain |
| Indore | 25°C | Cloudy, gusty winds |
| Ujjain | 24°C | Moderate rain |
| Gwalior | 27°C | Heavy rain, lightning |
| Sheopur | 25°C | Heavy rain warning |
| Morena | 26°C | Heavy rain likely |
| Betul | 23°C | Intermittent showers |
| Chhindwara | 24°C | Rain, thunder possible |
| Seoni | 23°C | Light rain, cloudy skies |
| Mandla | 24°C | Rain, occasional thunder |
| Balaghat | 23°C | Heavy showers expected |
Despite the end of monsoon, the state continues to experience erratic weather. Experts say this unusual pattern is linked to changing climate behavior and increased sea-surface temperatures.
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