The southwest monsoon has started to withdraw from Madhya Pradesh, beginning with four districts: Neemuch, Bhind, Morena, and Sheopur. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) confirmed that the process began on Wednesday and is expected to extend to more than ten districts in the next two to three days.
Despite the retreat, several parts of the state saw rainfall on the same day. Sidhi recorded 36 millimeters, or about one and a half inches, while Bhopal experienced light drizzle. Rainfall was also reported in Betul, Narmadapuram, Rewa, Umaria, and Balaghat.
Meteorologist Arun Sharma said the withdrawal is on schedule. “The monsoon will now bid farewell to Ujjain and Gwalior divisions. After that, it will start leaving Indore, Bhopal, Sagar, Narmadapuram, Rewa, Shahdol, and Jabalpur divisions,” Sharma said. “In the next two to three days, more districts are likely to see the withdrawal of monsoon.”
Rainfall Above Normal in Key Districts
In the four districts where the monsoon has already retreated, rainfall exceeded seasonal norms by a wide margin. Sheopur in Chambal division received 56.6 inches of rain against a normal of 26.2 inches, an increase of 115 percent. Bhind reported 32.4 inches, Morena 37 inches, and Neemuch 42.9 inches, all above their long-term averages.
Statewide, Madhya Pradesh has recorded 44 inches of rainfall since June 16, when the monsoon entered the state. The seasonal average is 37 inches. This means rainfall so far has been about 119 percent of normal.
The distribution of rain has not been uniform. Gwalior, Chambal, Sagar, and eastern divisions like Jabalpur, Rewa, and Shahdol recorded heavy rainfall throughout the season. Several districts, including Mandla, Tikamgarh, Umaria, and Chhatarpur, reported floods due to sustained downpours.
On the other hand, parts of western Madhya Pradesh struggled until September. Indore division, which at one point recorded the lowest rainfall in the state, reached its seasonal average only after heavy showers earlier this month. Barwani, Khargone, and Khandwa districts remain below normal. Ujjain division has also fallen short, with Shajapur reporting the second lowest rainfall in the state.
Khargone received just 27.5 inches, the lowest in Madhya Pradesh this season. Shajapur recorded 28.7 inches, Khandwa 29.8, Barwani 30.9, and Dhar 32.8. In contrast, Guna topped the charts with 65.4 inches, followed by Raisen with 61.1, Mandla with 60, Sheopur with 56.6, and Ashoknagar with 56.
Early Withdrawal
The IMD noted that the monsoon is leaving slightly earlier than usual in some districts. Normally, withdrawal from the northern parts of the state occurs by September 30. This year, the process began six days ahead of schedule. By October 6, the entire state is expected to be free of monsoon activity.
For now, light showers may continue in some areas, but most districts will experience clear skies and rising temperatures. “Some isolated areas may still get heavy rain in the next one or two days,” Sharma said.
As the monsoon makes its way out, Madhya Pradesh has exceeded its seasonal rainfall target, but the mixed distribution means gains and losses are divided across the state.
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