Madhya Pradesh recorded one of its wettest monsoons in a decade this year, with 21 percent more rainfall than the state average. The rain quota was filled in 50 districts, while 30 districts, including Bhopal and Gwalior, received “very heavy” rainfall. Officials say the season lasted 3 months and 28 days, ending with full dams, rising groundwater, and renewed optimism for farmers.
According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the state received 121 percent of its normal rainfall. The average annual rainfall for Madhya Pradesh is 37.3 inches, but this year the total reached 45.2 inches. The highest rainfall was in Guna district, while Sheopur received an extraordinary 216 percent of its average.
“The rains have been generous this year,” said Dr. Divya E. Surendran, senior weather scientist at IMD Bhopal. “Almost every region now has enough water for both drinking and irrigation. The groundwater recharge will also help in the coming dry months.”
East to West: How the Monsoon Spread Across the State
The monsoon entered Madhya Pradesh on June 16 and first covered the eastern regions, Jabalpur, Sagar, Rewa, and Shahdol divisions. Later, during September, it shifted west, bringing heavy rain to Bhopal, Indore, Ujjain, and Gwalior divisions. The eastern parts received 17 percent more rainfall than average, while the western regions saw 25 percent more.
The only exceptions were Ujjain, Sehore, Betul, and Shajapur districts, which received below-normal rainfall. Shajapur recorded the lowest, at just 81 percent of its seasonal quota. Still, experts note that even these areas are close to normal levels and won’t face major shortages.
Heavy Rains Fill Dams, Bring Relief to Farmers
In Bhopal, rainfall was 13 percent higher than average, filling the Bhadbhada and Kaliasot dams to capacity. The famous Upper Lake, known locally as the big pond, also overflowed.
The IMD reported that the 2017 monsoon was the driest in a decade, with only 29.9 inches of rain. In contrast, 2019 saw 53 inches, the highest in 10 years. The trend over the past seven years shows overall stable rainfall, with 2025 continuing the pattern of strong monsoons.
Mild Cold and Drizzle Expected
Although the monsoon has officially withdrawn from Madhya Pradesh, mild showers and cloudy skies persist. Dr. Surendran said light drizzle may occur in southern districts for the next three days. “No heavy rain alerts have been issued, but clouds will remain over several regions,” she said.
| City | Temperature (°C) | Weather Forecast |
|---|---|---|
| Bhopal | 32 / 21 | Partly cloudy, light drizzle possible |
| Indore | 31 / 20 | Clear skies, mild breeze |
| Gwalior | 30 / 19 | Cloudy, chance of drizzle |
| Jabalpur | 33 / 22 | Humid, partly cloudy |
| Ujjain | 31 / 20 | Clear skies, cool night |
| Rewa | 32 / 21 | Cloudy, warm day |
| Sagar | 31 / 20 | Slightly cloudy, no rain |
| Sheopur | 30 / 18 | Clear skies, dry air |
| Chhindwara | 29 / 19 | Light rain expected |
With water bodies full and reservoirs overflowing, Madhya Pradesh is entering the post-monsoon period with a sense of relief. The rains have restored balance in most regions and raised hopes for a good rabi season ahead.
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