MP monsoon returns: IMD warns of thunderstorms, lightning across 40+ districts
Synopsis
After 12 rainless days that pushed parts of Madhya Pradesh toward drought-like conditions, the monsoon has returned with IMD issuing thunderstorm and lightning warnings for over 40 districts. With the state already 17% below its seasonal rainfall normal — and eastern MP at a 23% deficit — the next five days of forecast coverage across 90% of the state could prove decisive for the kharif crop.
Key Takeaways
IMD Bhopal has issued a moderate thunderstorm and lightning warning for 19 districts in Madhya Pradesh on 21 July .
Bhopal city received all-night rains, breaking a ten-day dry spell after roughly 12 days of no significant rainfall.
The state's overall monsoon rainfall deficit stands at 17 per cent below normal ; eastern MP is at a steeper 23 per cent shortfall.
Moderate rain of 5–15 mm per hour is expected in high-alert zones; cloud-to-ground lightning probability is 30–60 per cent .
IMD forecasts rainfall over approximately 90 per cent of MP in the five days up to 25 July , offering potential relief to drought-stressed crops.
Residents advised to avoid low-lying areas, flooded roads, and tall trees; farmers urged to secure crops during downpours.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD), Bhopal centre, has issued a warning for moderate thunderstorms accompanied by lightning and rainfall across multiple districts of Madhya Pradesh on 21 July, as the monsoon broke a ten-day dry spell with all-night rains over Bhopal city and its surrounding areas. The fresh spell arrives at a critical time, with the state recording approximately 17 per cent less rainfall than normal this season.
Districts Under Moderate Alert
According to the IMD bulletin, moderate thunderstorms with lightning and rainfall are expected over Neemuch, Mandsaur, Ujjain, Mahakaleshwar, Agarmalwa, Rajgarh, Sehore, Shajapur, Dewas, Bhopal City, Bairagarh, Nabibagh, Raisen, Bhimbetka, Sanchi, Narmadapuram, Pachmarhi, Hoshangabad, and Narsinghpur. Moderate rain of 5–15 mm per hour is possible in these zones, with a cloud-to-ground lightning probability of 30–60 per cent.
Light Rain Alert Across Eastern and Western MP
A wider belt of districts — including Vidisha, Jabalpur, Indore, Rewa, Singrauli, Balaghat, Chhindwara, Khandwa, Ratlam, Jhabua, Dhar, and Barwani, among others — is likely to receive light thunderstorms with lightning and rain below 5 mm per hour. Cloud-to-ground lightning probability in these areas remains under 30 per cent.
Rainfall Deficit and Agricultural Stress
The return of rain comes after roughly 12 days of no significant precipitation, which had pushed several areas toward drought-like conditions. The state's overall rainfall deficit stands at 17 per cent below normal, with eastern Madhya Pradesh recording a steeper shortfall of 23 per cent and western Madhya Pradesh at 10 per cent. This prolonged dry phase has strained standing crops and depleted water bodies across the region.
Notably, the IMD forecasts rainfall activity across approximately 90 per cent of the state over the five days up to 25 July. If sustained, this could ease moisture stress on crops, replenish reservoirs, and improve soil conditions ahead of the critical kharif growing window.
Safety Precautions and Potential Impacts
Residents in affected districts are advised to avoid low-lying areas prone to waterlogging, stay away from tall trees during thunderstorms, and exercise caution on roads due to reduced visibility and slippery surfaces. Farmers have been urged to secure vulnerable crops and refrain from outdoor field work during heavy downpours.
The IMD has flagged potential impacts including temporary flooding in low-lying zones, a rise in river and stream water levels, minor damage to kutcha structures, and disruptions to road and rail traffic. Motorists should remain alert to rapidly changing weather conditions across the state.
Point of View
And a prolonged kharif moisture gap translates directly into yield loss and rural income stress. The IMD's five-day coverage forecast is encouraging, but scattered thunderstorm activity is not the same as sustained, well-distributed rainfall. The eastern MP deficit at 23 per cent is particularly concerning and deserves district-level monitoring, not just state-level averages. If the next week does not deliver meaningful soil recharge, the Centre and state government will face pressure on input subsidy and crop insurance payouts well before the harvest season.
NationPress
21 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Which districts in Madhya Pradesh are under a moderate thunderstorm warning on 21 July?
The IMD has placed 19 towns and districts under a moderate thunderstorm and lightning warning, including Bhopal, Ujjain, Indore-adjacent Dewas, Sehore, Raisen, Narmadapuram, Hoshangabad, Narsinghpur, Neemuch, Mandsaur, Rajgarh, Shajapur, Sanchi, Bhimbetka, Pachmarhi, Mahakaleshwar, Agarmalwa, Bairagarh, and Nabibagh. Moderate rain of 5–15 mm per hour is expected in these areas.
How much is Madhya Pradesh's monsoon rainfall deficit in 2025?
Madhya Pradesh has received approximately 17 per cent less rainfall than normal so far this monsoon season. Eastern MP faces a steeper deficit of 23 per cent, while western MP is 10 per cent below normal.
How long has Madhya Pradesh gone without significant rainfall before this spell?
There has been no heavy rainfall in the region for approximately 12 days, following a ten-day monsoon recess that led to drought-like conditions in several areas and stressed standing kharif crops.
What are the safety precautions during the thunderstorm alert in MP?
Residents are advised to avoid low-lying and waterlogged areas, stay away from tall trees and open fields during lightning, and drive cautiously due to reduced visibility. Farmers should secure vulnerable crops and avoid outdoor activities during heavy downpours.
When is the rainfall expected to cover most of Madhya Pradesh?
The IMD forecasts rainfall activity across approximately 90 per cent of Madhya Pradesh over the five days up to 25 July 2025, which could help ease agricultural moisture stress and replenish water bodies.
