Madhya Pradesh is bracing for heavy rain in the last days of August. A strong weather system is expected to drench large parts of the state, with Bhopal, Jabalpur, and Narmadapuram divisions likely to face the most impact.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has warned of heavy rainfall in nine districts today. These include Alirajpur, Barwani, Khargone, Harda, Khandwa, Burhanpur, Betul, Chhindwara, and Pandhurna. Officials say some areas could receive up to 4.5 inches of rain within 24 hours.
“We are closely monitoring the system. The rainfall will increase further after August 21, especially in the southern and eastern parts of the state,” said P.K. Saha, senior scientist at the IMD Bhopal office.
Current Weather Situation
The state has already seen strong showers since Monday. Indore recorded more than an inch of rain, Ujjain nearly an inch, and Damoh half an inch. Bhopal experienced alternating heavy and light showers throughout the day.
Waterlogging was reported in Khargone, where roads were submerged. In Jabalpur, a loading auto was swept away in a river before being rescued with the help of locals.
By now, Madhya Pradesh has received 31.5 inches of rain since the monsoon arrived on June 16. The seasonal average by this date is 25.6 inches, meaning the state has already seen 5.9 inches more than expected. The normal seasonal average is 37 inches, so about 85 percent of that has already fallen.
The IMD has reported that a monsoon trough is currently passing through the state. At the same time, two cyclonic circulations, two troughs, and a low-pressure area remain active.
“The combined effect of these systems will strengthen rainfall across Madhya Pradesh by August 21 and 22,” said R.K. Verma, another weather official. “We expect continuous downpours in many districts.”
The Gwalior, Chambal, and Sagar divisions have already received above-average rainfall. In Guna and Mandla, more than 47 inches of rain has been recorded, the highest in the state so far. Tikamgarh, Niwari, and Ashoknagar have also crossed the 40-inch mark.
Meanwhile, Indore and Ujjain divisions have received comparatively less rain. Nine out of 15 districts in these regions have seen less than half of their seasonal quota.
Impact on Residents
The rain has brought both relief and challenges. Farmers in eastern districts welcomed the showers. “Our fields were drying up, but this rain has come at the right time for soy and paddy,” said Ramesh Patel, a farmer from Mandla.
But in cities, waterlogging and flooding remain concerns. “We had to shut shops early yesterday because water entered the market,” said Sunil Jain, a trader in Khargone. “If this continues for the next few days, business will be badly hit.”
In Jabalpur, residents said rising water levels in rivers have caused anxiety. “The river is already overflowing, and with more rain ahead, we fear it may enter low-lying houses,” said Meena Sharma, a local resident.
Forecast for Coming Days
The IMD has advised residents of Bhopal, Jabalpur, Narmadapuram, and adjoining districts to prepare for heavy rains starting August 21. Officials also cautioned about possible disruption to road travel and power supply.
Weather update for key cities in Madhya Pradesh
| City | Temperature (°C) | Forecast |
|---|---|---|
| Bhopal | 28 | Heavy rain |
| Indore | 27 | Showers likely |
| Jabalpur | 29 | Heavy rain |
| Narmadapuram | 28 | Heavy rain |
| Gwalior | 30 | Cloudy, rain |
| Ujjain | 27 | Moderate showers |
| Mandla | 26 | Heavy rain |
| Khargone | 28 | Waterlogging risk |
| Betul | 27 | Heavy rain |
With more downpours expected in the coming days, both rural and urban areas across Madhya Pradesh are set to face mixed fortunes. Farmers may gain from the rains, but cities will need to manage flooding, traffic jams, and power cuts.
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