Madhya Pradesh is witnessing heavy rain as a trough moves across the state, combined with cyclonic circulation. The Meteorological Department has issued a very heavy rain alert for Betul and Burhanpur and a heavy rain alert for 13 other districts on Saturday.
Betul and Burhanpur may receive up to 8.5 inches of rainfall in the next 24 hours. Districts including Jhabua, Alirajpur, Barwani, Dhar, Khargone, Dewas, Khandwa, Harda, Narmadapuram, Chhindwara, Pandhurna, Seoni, and Balaghat are expected to get up to 4.5 inches of rain.
“Three active systems are influencing the state’s weather. A trough line is passing through Madhya Pradesh, along with a monsoon trough and cyclonic circulation. A low-pressure area is also active,” said Dr. Divya E. Surendran, senior meteorologist at the IMD.
Rain continued in many districts on Friday. Bhopal saw showers during the day. Light rain fell in Betul, Narmadapuram, Indore, Shajapur, Pachmarhi, Raisen, Sheopur, Chhindwara, Jabalpur, Mandla, Seoni, Chhatarpur, Tikamgarh, and Balaghat. Akodia in Shajapur reported fog, while Pitampur received afternoon rain. Thunderclouds hit Dhar, Piparia, and Ratlam in the evening.
The Tawa Dam in Itarsi reached a water level of 1,161 feet. So far, Madhya Pradesh has recorded 30.3 inches of rainfall this monsoon, 82 percent of its 37-inch annual quota.
Two youths died in Barwani district after being struck by lightning. Eyewitness Raju Kag said, “Mahesh and Pawan were standing under a neem tree on the roadside when the lightning hit. Another young man who came to help them was also burnt.”
Scientists say heavy rains will continue into the second half of August. “The strong system active from August 18 will bring very heavy to heavy rain in many parts of the state,” Dr. Surendran added.
Eastern divisions including Jabalpur, Sagar, Shahdol, and Rewa have received 31 percent above-average rain. Western divisions—Bhopal, Indore, Ujjain, Gwalior, Chambal, and Narmadapuram—have recorded 20 percent above normal rainfall.
Mandla and Guna are the wettest districts this season, with over 46 inches of rainfall. Niwari recorded 45.6 inches, Tikamgarh 45.2 inches, and Ashoknagar 42.9 inches. Several districts, including Vidisha, Jabalpur, Narsinghpur, Balaghat, Dindori, Sagar, Panna, Sheopur, Singrauli, Sidhi, Narmadapuram, and Umaria, have received more than 30 inches.
Weather outlook for some major cities in Madhya Pradesh
| City | Temperature (°C) | Forecast |
|---|---|---|
| Bhopal | 26 | Rain showers |
| Indore | 27 | Heavy rain |
| Jabalpur | 25 | Thunderstorms |
| Gwalior | 28 | Rain showers |
| Ujjain | 26 | Heavy rain |
| Betul | 24 | Very heavy rain |
| Burhanpur | 25 | Very heavy rain |
Authorities continue to monitor water levels and weather systems. Residents are urged to follow alerts and take safety measures.
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