Storm, rain alert in 37 MP districts including Indore, Gwalior:Jabalpur, Shahdol, Rewa and Sagar divisions receives 65% less rain; monsoon to arrive after 4 days

Monsoon in Madhya Pradesh has been delayed by 6 days. It will take 4 more days for its entry. The Meteorological Center (IMD) has predicted the monsoon’s arrival in the state by June 25. Until then, pre-monsoon activity will continue. On Sunday, there is an alert for thunderstorms and rain in 37 districts. These include Indore, Gwalior, Jabalpur, Sheopur, Morena, Bhind, Datia, Shivpuri, Niwari, Tikamgarh, Chhatarpur, Panna, Satna, Rewa, Mauganj, Sidhi, Singrauli, Maihar, Katni, Umaria, Shahdol, Anuppur, Dindori, Mandla, Balaghat, Seoni, Chhindwara, Pandhurna, Betul, Harda, Khandwa, Burhanpur, Khargone, Barwani, Dhar, Jhabua and Alirajpur. Meanwhile, the weather will remain clear in Bhopal, Vidisha, Sagar, Damoh, Narsinghpur, Raisen, Narmadapuram, Sehore, Guna, Ashoknagar, Rajgarh, Shajapur, Dewas, Agar-Malwa, Ujjain, Ratlam and Neemuch, Mandsaur. Pictures from Saturday’s rainfall- 2.4 inches of rain in Ujjain, 1.3 inches in Bhopal The spell of strong winds and rain continued across Madhya Pradesh on Saturday. Ujjain recorded heavy rainfall, receiving 2.4 inches of rain by evening. Bhopal received 1.3 inches of rainfall. Heavy showers were also reported from Indore, Gwalior, Sheopur, Sehore and Pithampur in Dhar district. The stormy weather and rainfall led to a significant drop in daytime temperatures. The maximum temperature was recorded at 32.8°C in Dhar, 34°C in Shivpuri, 35.4°C in Pachmarhi, and 35°C in both Shajapur and Rajgarh. Among the state’s five major cities, the maximum temperatures recorded were 33.4°C in Bhopal, 35.2°C in Indore, 39.6°C in Gwalior, 35°C in Ujjain and 40.6°C in Jabalpur. Monsoon expected to enter state around June 25 According to the Meteorological Department, the monsoon normally reaches Madhya Pradesh around June 15. However, there has been no sign of its arrival even by June 21 this year. The monsoon has remained stalled over Telangana since June 8, although it is gradually advancing. It is expected to enter Chhattisgarh around June 23. If it gathers pace, it could reach Madhya Pradesh by June 25. Last year, the monsoon arrived in the state on June 16. June rainfall deficit widens due to delayed monsoon The delayed arrival of the monsoon has significantly impacted June rainfall figures across the state. Madhya Pradesh has recorded 46 per cent less rainfall than normal so far this month. The eastern districts, including those in the Jabalpur, Rewa, Shahdol and Sagar divisions, have recorded a rainfall deficit of 65 per cent. In the western divisions of Bhopal, Indore, Ujjain, Gwalior, Chambal and Narmadapuram, rainfall has been 30 per cent below normal. Out of the state’s 55 districts, 45 have recorded below-normal rainfall. Alirajpur has not received a single drop of rain, while Bhopal has recorded the highest rainfall at 4 inches. Farmers’ concerns grow as sowing remains delayed The delayed monsoon has heightened concerns among farmers, who have been unable to sow Kharif crops such as soybean, urad, moong and tur. SS Dhakad, Senior Scientist at the Shajapur Krishi Vigyan Kendra, said that at least 4 inches of rainfall is required before sowing can begin. Such rainfall ensures adequate soil moisture, making conditions suitable for planting. He advised farmers to begin sowing only after receiving this amount of rain. Risk of seed damage increases Many farmers across the state had already sown soybean crops in anticipation of the monsoon’s timely arrival. However, the lack of adequate rainfall now poses a risk of seed damage, as the seeds may dry out and perish due to insufficient moisture. In such cases, farmers may be forced to sow their fields again. However, those with access to irrigation facilities remain in a comparatively better position. Districts recording below-normal rainfall The following districts have received less than normal rainfall so far this season: Anuppur, Balaghat, Chhatarpur, Chhindwara, Damoh, Dindori, Jabalpur, Katni, Maihar, Mandla, Mauganj, Narsinghpur, Niwari, Pandhurna, Rewa, Panna, Sagar, Satna, Seoni, Shahdol, Sidhi, Singrauli, Tikamgarh, Umaria, Alirajpur, Barwani, Betul, Bhind, Burhanpur, Datia, Dewas, Dhar, Gwalior, Harda, Indore, Jhabua, Khandwa, Khargone, Narmadapuram, Raisen, Rajgarh, Ratlam, Shivpuri, Ujjain and Vidisha. Bhopal, Agar-Malwa, Ashok Nagar, Guna, Mandsaur, Morena, Neemuch, Sehore, Shajapur and Sheopur have recorded more than normal rainfall.