Madhya Pradesh monsoon to intensify from August 4 with heavy rain alerts
Synopsis
Madhya Pradesh's monsoon is set for a sharp revival from August 4-5, with IMD issuing heavy rain alerts across northern and eastern districts — but the bounce comes against a sobering backdrop: 43 of the state's districts remain rainfall-deficient, with June and July both running 13-14 per cent below normal.
Key Takeaways
The IMD Bhopal centre expects an intensifying monsoon spell across Madhya Pradesh from August 4-5 .
Heavy rain alerts issued for Chhatarpur, Panna, Satna, Sidhi, Umaria, Shahdol, Anuppur and others on August 4 ; Niwari, Tikamgarh, Rewa, Mauganj and others on August 5 .
43 districts in MP still report below-normal rainfall; only 12 have recorded above-normal amounts.
June rainfall was 14 per cent below normal ; July ended 13 per cent deficient .
Ratlam has received over 13 inches this season; entry to Sirvel Mahadev Temple in Khargone banned due to swollen Kunda waterfall .
Farmers advised to ensure field drainage and avoid chemical sprays during the incoming wet spell.
The southwest monsoon is set to regain momentum across Madhya Pradesh, with a fresh and intensifying spell of rainfall expected from August 4-5, according to experts at the India Meteorological Department (IMD) Bhopal centre. While the next 48 hours carry no heavy rainfall warnings, light rain and drizzle are likely across several parts of the state before the stronger spell arrives.
Districts on Heavy Rain Alert
The IMD has issued heavy rain alerts for specific districts across two consecutive days. On August 4, warnings cover Chhatarpur, Panna, Satna, Maihar, Sidhi, Umaria, Shahdol and Anuppur — predominantly in the northern and eastern belts of the state. On August 5, similar alerts apply to Niwari, Tikamgarh, Chhatarpur, Panna, Satna, Rewa and Mauganj.
Current Weather Snapshot
Sunday's observation recorded rainfall at many places across the Indore, Narmadapuram, Ujjain and Gwalior divisions, at a few places in Bhopal division, and at isolated locations in the Chambal, Rewa, Jabalpur, Shahdol and Sagar divisions. The rest of the state remained largely dry.
Maximum temperatures dropped by up to 2.8 degrees Celsius in Ujjain division districts. The highest maximum temperature recorded was 36.0 degrees Celsius at Khajuraho in Chhatarpur, while the lowest minimum was 17.8 degrees Celsius at Khargone. Gusty winds clocked 50 km/h in Morena and 47 km/h in Gwalior. Thunderstorms with lightning struck large parts of the Narmadapuram, Indore (excluding Khargone and Khandwa), Ujjain, Bhopal, Rewa, Shahdol and Gwalior divisions.
Local Impacts Already Visible
On Saturday, intermittent rain lashed several districts including Ratlam, Bhopal and Khargone. Ratlam has already received over 13 inches of rainfall this season, filling Hanuman Tal completely. Swollen by continuous showers, the Kunda waterfall in Khargone prompted authorities to ban devotee entry to the Sirvel Mahadev Temple. Gwalior saw heavy afternoon rain followed by overnight drizzle.
Rainfall Deficit Persists Despite Active Monsoon
Despite the ongoing activity, 43 districts in Madhya Pradesh continue to report below-normal rainfall, while only 12 have recorded above-normal amounts. June rainfall was 14 per cent below normal, and July ended approximately 13 per cent deficient. The state's seasonal normal stands at 37.3 inches, with major cities such as Bhopal, Indore, Jabalpur and Gwalior typically receiving 38-39 inches. IMD officials estimate the intensifying August spell could help narrow the existing deficit to some extent.
Advisory for Farmers
The IMD has advised farmers to ensure proper field drainage, avoid irrigation and chemical sprays during rainy periods, protect harvested produce and livestock, and stay updated with official weather advisories. The coming days will be critical for agricultural planning across the state's rain-deficient zones.
Point of View
But Madhya Pradesh's monsoon story this season is fundamentally one of chronic underperformance — two consecutive months running 13-14 per cent below normal is not a blip, it is a pattern with real consequences for kharif sowing and reservoir levels. A few days of heavy rain in select northern and eastern districts will not erase a statewide deficit spanning 43 of 52 districts. The more important question is whether the second half of August delivers sustained, widespread rainfall — and on that, the IMD's current guidance is cautiously non-committal.
NationPress
2 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
When will heavy rain hit Madhya Pradesh in August 2025?
Heavy rainfall is expected to intensify across Madhya Pradesh from August 4-5, according to the IMD Bhopal centre. Alerts have been issued for northern and eastern districts including Chhatarpur, Panna, Satna, Sidhi, Shahdol and others on August 4, with a second round covering Rewa, Tikamgarh, Niwari and Mauganj on August 5.
Which districts in MP have heavy rain alerts for August 4 and 5?
On August 4, heavy rain alerts cover Chhatarpur, Panna, Satna, Maihar, Sidhi, Umaria, Shahdol and Anuppur. On August 5, warnings apply to Niwari, Tikamgarh, Chhatarpur, Panna, Satna, Rewa and Mauganj.
Is Madhya Pradesh facing a rainfall deficit this monsoon season?
Yes. As of early August, 43 districts in Madhya Pradesh continue to report below-normal rainfall, with only 12 recording above-normal amounts. June was 14 per cent below normal and July ended approximately 13 per cent deficient against the state's seasonal normal of 37.3 inches.
What is the IMD's advisory for farmers during the incoming spell?
The IMD has advised farmers to ensure proper field drainage, avoid irrigation and chemical sprays during rainy periods, safeguard harvested produce and livestock, and follow official weather advisories regularly. The advice is particularly relevant for districts in the heavy rain alert zones.
What local impacts has the monsoon caused in MP so far?
Ratlam has received over 13 inches of rainfall this season, filling Hanuman Tal completely. In Khargone, the Kunda waterfall has swollen to the point that authorities have banned devotee entry to the Sirvel Mahadev Temple. Gwalior recorded heavy afternoon rain and overnight drizzle on Saturday.
