Dry Spell Grips Madhya Pradesh, Rain Likely After August 10

The first week of August has remained largely dry across Madhya Pradesh, with no significant rainfall recorded in most districts. The absence of a strong monsoon system has caused temperatures to rise, pushing day temperatures above 32 degrees Celsius in several parts of the state.

In Bhopal, the maximum temperature reached 32.7°C on Wednesday. The situation was hotter in Khajuraho, Chhatarpur district, where the temperature peaked at 35°C. Several other districts, including Gwalior, Ratlam, Ujjain, Damoh, and Rewa, recorded temperatures of 33°C or higher.

Dr. Divya E. Surendran, senior scientist at the Meteorological Department, said current weather patterns include a monsoon trough and a cyclonic circulation. “These systems are present, but they are not having any effect in Madhya Pradesh right now,” she said. “Because of this, the phase of heavy rainfall has stopped. The weather will remain the same until August 10, with only light rain expected in some places.”

From August 1 to 6, the state has received just 0.7 inches of rain on average. This is far below the seasonal pace. For comparison, 28 inches of rain fell across Madhya Pradesh during June and July. Despite the dry start to August, the state has already received 28.7 inches of rain since June 1, 8.2 inches more than the usual 20.5 inches during this period.

Some regions, especially in the east, saw high rainfall earlier in the season. Jabalpur, Rewa, Shahdol, and Sagar divisions have received 45% more than the average rainfall. In contrast, western divisions like Indore and Ujjain remain below the seasonal target.

“There will be a return of heavy rain in the second week of August,” said Dr. Surendran. “It is likely to continue until the end of the month. We expect the rainfall quota for August to be met by then.”

Only light drizzle fell in Shivpuri on Wednesday. No other area reported significant rain. In districts like Narmadapuram, Jabalpur, Mandla, Sidhi, and Tikamgarh, temperatures crossed 34°C.

Some districts have already exceeded their seasonal rainfall. Guna leads with 45.8 inches, followed by Niwari at 45.1 inches, and Mandla and Tikamgarh at 44 inches. Ashoknagar has recorded 42 inches so far.

In contrast, rainfall in the western part of the state has been lower. Indore has received just 11 inches, Burhanpur 11.1 inches, and Barwani 11.5 inches. Khargone and Khandwa have also reported lower-than-average rain, with 11.8 inches and 12.8 inches, respectively.

Flooding was a serious concern in July, especially in eastern districts. The Betwa River caused damage in Raisen, where overflowing water submerged fields, temples, and bridges. Dams in several locations also reached full capacity during that time.

Dr. Surendran confirmed that current forecasts show clear skies over the next few days. “The weather will be dry and hot until at least August 10,” she said. “There may be scattered showers, but no widespread rainfall is expected before next week.”

Residents are now dealing with the heat and humidity that followed the break in rainfall. Without rainclouds, sunlight has become intense, raising discomfort levels across many parts of the state.

The Meteorological Department has predicted that heavy rainfall will return after Rakshabandhan, bringing relief to parched areas. Until then, the dry conditions and rising temperatures will likely continue to impact daily life, agriculture, and water management.

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