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Madhya Pradesh has seen no rainfall for the past seven days. This sudden pause in the monsoon has led to a noticeable rise in day temperatures across the state.
More than 10 districts recorded daytime highs above 34°C on Thursday. The heat is expected to continue on Friday, with no forecast of heavy rain for the next four days.
According to the Meteorological Department, the state has received 28.7 inches of rainfall so far—about 77 percent of the average seasonal quota. Most of this came during strong weather activity in June and July.
But since August began, rainfall has nearly stopped. Only 0.7 inches fell between August 1 and 7. No rain was recorded in the last 24 hours.
“Rain has paused because the trough system has moved far from Madhya Pradesh,” said Dr. Divya E. Surendran, a senior scientist with the Meteorological Department. “Heavy rainfall isn’t likely for the next four days. Only isolated light showers may occur.”
The weather department expects heavy rainfall to resume in the second week of August and continue until the end of the month. This may help meet the full seasonal rainfall target.
So far, nine districts have already completed their rainfall quota. Gwalior leads the list with 35 inches. Eastern districts like Jabalpur, Shahdol, and Sagar divisions have received 41 percent more rainfall than average. Western regions, including Bhopal, Indore, and Ujjain divisions, have received 33 percent more than normal.
But some districts, especially in the Indore division, are facing a rainfall shortfall. Indore has recorded only 11 inches so far, the lowest in the state. Other poorly performing districts include Burhanpur (11.1 inches), Barwani (11.5 inches), Khargone (11.8 inches), and Khandwa (12.8 inches).
Guna tops the rainfall chart with 45.8 inches, followed by Niwari with 45.1 inches, and Mandla and Tikamgarh with 44 inches each. Flooding occurred in several eastern districts in July due to excessive rainfall. In Raisen, the Betwa river flooded farms, temples, and bridges.
The state’s average annual rainfall is around 37 inches. So far, Madhya Pradesh has received about 37 percent more rainfall than usual, mainly in the eastern parts.
For now, residents across the state are dealing with rising temperatures. Khajuraho recorded the highest on Thursday at 35.6°C. Tikamgarh hit 35°C, Narmadapuram 34.8°C, Datia 34.7°C, and Gwalior 34.5°C.
The lowest minimum temperature was 20°C, recorded at Pachmarhi. Other cooler spots included Khargone (20.8°C), Amarkantak (21.4°C), Girwar (21.6°C), and Indore (22°C).
Weather conditions in major cities
| City | Max Temp (°C) | Forecast |
|---|---|---|
| Gwalior | 34.5 | Sunny, warm |
| Jabalpur | 34.3 | Clear skies |
| Ujjain | 33.5 | Hot, dry |
| Bhopal | 32.2 | Warm, no rain |
| Indore | 32.2 | Mostly sunny, dry |
Despite the current heat, officials say there’s no need to panic.
“We are closely monitoring weather systems,” said Prakash Sharma, a senior officer at the MP State Disaster Response Centre. “Rain is expected to return next week. If the pattern holds, most districts will meet or exceed their seasonal targets by the end of August.”
People in regions like Indore and Barwani, where rainfall has been sparse, are hopeful.
“We are waiting for rain. Our crops need it,” said Ramesh Chauhan, a farmer near Khandwa. “The fields are dry, and this heat is worrying.”
The good news is that rain systems are expected to return soon. For now, residents are advised to stay hydrated and avoid direct sun exposure during peak afternoon hours.
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