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Deepening work continues in Lotiya Nala. Photo credit: Ground Report
Madhya Pradesh has recorded 20.5 inches of rain since the start of the monsoon on June 16. Three districts, Niwari, Tikamgarh, and Sheopur, have already received more rainfall than their yearly average.
"Tikamgarh has recorded 37.88 inches, which is 5 percent more than its normal," said Arun Sharma, senior meteorologist at the IMD. "The district has completed its rain quota early."
The state has received 61 percent more rain than usual for this point in the season. Monsoon activity remains strong in the eastern and northern regions, while western areas like Indore and Ujjain continue to lag.
Strong Rains in East and North
The eastern districts, Mandla, Chhatarpur, Shahdol, and Rewa, have seen the most rainfall. Tikamgarh leads with nearly 38 inches. Mandla follows with over 36 inches, though it still falls short of the local average due to typically higher rainfall.
The Gwalior division also reports strong numbers. Shivpuri has received 29 inches. Ashoknagar, Morena, and Gwalior all report over 20 inches.
"Shivpuri has reached 93 percent of its normal rainfall," said Sharma. "Gwalior is at 80 percent."
Indore, Ujjain Trail Behind
In contrast, the western divisions show poor progress. Indore has received just 7.2 inches, less than one-fourth of its average. Ujjain stands at 8.4 inches, while nearby Shajapur has only 6.9 inches.
"There's no active rain system over these areas right now," said Dr. Divya E. Surendran, senior IMD scientist. "Light rain may continue, but heavier showers are expected after July 23."
The low-pressure area over western Rajasthan and Pakistan is weakening. A new system may form over the Bay of Bengal by July 24, triggering rainfall in MP's eastern parts.
Strong rainfall has filled many dams. In Betul, authorities had to open dam gates in July. Water levels are rising in Bhopal’s Bada Talab, Kerwa, and Kaliyasot reservoirs.
Fifty-four major dams have received a good inflow. Jauhila and Bargi dams have also seen water levels surge.
Mixed Picture Across Cities
Rainfall in five key cities reflects the state's uneven monsoon:
| City | Rainfall (inches) |
|---|---|
| Bhopal | 15.8 |
| Indore | 7.2 |
| Jabalpur | 23.5 |
| Ujjain | 8.4 |
| Gwalior | 22.75 |
Bhopal has received one-third of its annual quota. Officials expect more rainfall next week. Sehore and Rajgarh have crossed 17 inches, while Raisen stands at 22.7 inches.
Indore remains one of the driest zones. Khargone, Burhanpur, and Barwani in the division are also below 10 inches.
In Jabalpur, strong monsoon activity has pushed rainfall over 23 inches. Mandla, nearby, is nearing 37 inches.
Ujjain division continues to see weak rainfall. Shajapur and Agar-Malwa are still below 8 inches.
Gwalior shows stronger results, with multiple districts over 20 inches. "Rain systems will stay active in the region," said Sharma. "The figure will likely rise further."
Rainfall Patterns by District
| Rainfall Range | Districts |
|---|---|
| Over 30 inches | Tikamgarh, Mandla, Niwari, Chhatarpur |
| 20–30 inches | Gwalior, Raisen, Jabalpur, Katni, Shivpuri, Rewa, Umaria, Morena, Sagar, Damoh, Panna, Singrauli, Sidhi, Satna, Narsinghpur, Seoni, Balaghat, Dindori, Guna, Ashoknagar, Sheopur |
| 10–19 inches | Bhopal, Sehore, Rajgarh, Vidisha, Jhabua, Dhar, Alirajpur, Chhindwara, Datia, Dewas, Ratlam, Mandsaur, Neemuch, Harda, Betul, Anuppur |
| Under 10 inches | Indore, Ujjain, Burhanpur, Shajapur, Agar-Malwa, Khandwa, Khargone, Barwani |
"From July 23, eastern and southern MP will see heavy rain again," said Dr. Surendran. “The monsoon trough and western disturbance will shift closer to the region.”
Flood alerts have been issued in several villages along rivers. Overflowing streams have affected parts of the north and east.
Ajay Shukla, weather expert, said the upcoming week could bring heavy rainfall. “Once the low-pressure system forms in the Bay of Bengal, activity will pick up across the state,” he said.
So far, MP has recorded 521.9 mm (20.5 inches) of rain, well above the usual 323.2 mm for this point in July. With two more months of monsoon ahead, rainfall across the state may soon exceed the full-season average of 37 inches.
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