Rainfall 39% below normal in MP:Storm and rain warning in 39 districts; monsoon entry delayed till June 25

Madhya Pradesh is still waiting for the monsoon, even as it is already four days past its usual arrival date. The southwest monsoon normally enters the state by June 15-16, but this year it is expected to arrive around June 25. The delay has widened the rainfall deficit and raised concerns among farmers preparing for the Kharif season. According to the Meteorological Centre, Bhopal, the state has recorded 39% less rainfall than normal between June 1 and 18. While Madhya Pradesh usually receives 46.8 mm of rain during this period, only 28.4 mm has been recorded this year. The rainfall shortfall is more severe in eastern districts, where several areas have received less than half an inch of rain so far. Normally, the state records 46.8 mm rainfall during this period. This year, only 28.4 mm rain has been recorded. Districts such as Anuppur, Balaghat, Damoh, Maihar, Rewa, Shahdol, Tikamgarh, Alirajpur, Barwani, Bhind, Datia, Dhar and Khargone have received less than half an inch of rain so far. Meanwhile, Bhopal, Agar-Malwa, Ashok Nagar, Betul, Burhanpur, Dewas, Guna, Harda, Indore, Mandsaur, Morena, Narmadapuram, Raisen, Rajgarh, Ratlam, Sehore, Sheopur, Shivpuri, Vidisha, Sidhi and Satna have received between 1 and 4 inches of rainfall. However, experts say this is still insufficient for large-scale sowing. Soybean sowing affected, risk of seed damage rises The delayed monsoon and weak pre-monsoon showers have increased concerns among farmers. Sowing of Kharif crops such as soybean, urad, moong and tur has been affected in many districts. SS Dhakad, Senior Scientist at the Shajapur Krishi Vigyan Kendra, said farmers should begin sowing only after receiving at least 4 inches of rainfall, which provides adequate soil moisture. In several districts, farmers have already sown soybean seeds. However, the lack of sufficient rainfall now poses a risk of seed damage and poor germination. Seoni receives over an inch of rain, temperatures dip in many districts Thunderstorms and rain continued in parts of the state on Thursday. Seoni recorded more than 1 inch of rainfall, while Mhow in Indore district, Pithampur in Dhar district and Guna also witnessed rain and strong winds. The weather activity brought down daytime temperatures. Among the state’s major cities, Bhopal recorded 37°C, Indore 36.9°C, Gwalior 40.1°C, Ujjain 38°C and Jabalpur 38.7°C. The lowest maximum temperatures were recorded in Seoni (34°C), Betul (34.2°C), Chhindwara (34.8°C) and Pachmarhi and Shivpuri (35°C each). Khajuraho remained the hottest place at 41.4°C, followed by Datia at 40.8°C and Naugaon at 40°C. Weather alert for Bhopal, Indore, Gwalior and Jabalpur divisions The Meteorological Department has forecast thunderstorms and rain in several districts on Friday. These include Bhopal, Raisen, Sehore, Rajgarh, Vidisha, Indore, Ujjain, Neemuch, Agar-Malwa, Mandsaur, Shajapur, Dewas, Ratlam, Narmadapuram, Betul, Harda, Gwalior, Guna, Shivpuri, Datia, Ashok Nagar, Morena, Bhind, Sheopur, Jabalpur, Chhindwara, Seoni, Narsinghpur, Balaghat, Mandla, Dindori, Pandhurna, Anuppur, Sagar, Panna, Damoh, Chhatarpur, Tikamgarh and Niwari. Eastern districts may continue to face hot conditions Hot and humid weather is likely to persist in Satna, Rewa, Mauganj, Sidhi, Singrauli, Maihar, Katni, Umaria, Shahdol, Khandwa, Burhanpur, Khargone, Barwani, Dhar, Alirajpur and Jhabua. The weather department had issued a four-day forecast on June 17 that included a heatwave warning. However, officials say the heatwave threat has weakened due to increasing weather activity across the state. Cyclonic circulation and troughs driving weather changes Meteorologist Arun Sharma said a cyclonic circulation is active over western Madhya Pradesh, while three troughs are influencing weather conditions around it. As a result, thunderstorms and rain are occurring in many parts of the state. Similar weather conditions are expected to continue over the next four days. City-wise June weather trends Bhopal: Heat dominates first half of June Bhopal typically experiences intense heat before June 15, followed by rainfall later in the month. Over the past decade, temperatures have crossed 44°C in three years. The city recorded its highest June rainfall of nearly 16 inches in 2020. Last year, Bhopal received 10.9 inches of rain during the month, including around 5 inches within 24 hours. Indore: Rainfall helps keep temperatures lower Indore has witnessed relatively mild June temperatures over the past several years, with maximum temperatures mostly remaining between 39.6°C and 41.6°C. Last year, the city received about 5.5 inches of rainfall in June. The highest monthly June rainfall on record remains over 17 inches in 1980. Gwalior: Known for extreme June heat Gwalior experiences some of the highest temperatures in the state during June. The city’s temperature touched 47.8°C in 2019, while it crossed 45°C in both 2024 and 2025. The all-time June rainfall record stands at 28.5 inches, recorded in 1952. Jabalpur: Among the first regions to receive monsoon Jabalpur generally receives good rainfall as the monsoon enters the state through the region. Between 2016 and 2025, nearly 30% of the annual rainfall quota was received in June itself. The city recorded more than 8.5 inches of rainfall in June 2025. Officials expect this year’s monsoon to enter Madhya Pradesh through the southern part of the Jabalpur division. Ujjain: Strong June rainfall trend continues Ujjain has also recorded healthy rainfall during June in recent years. Between 2016 and 2025, the city received between 2.5 and 8 inches of rainfall during the month. The highest June rainfall on record was more than 13.5 inches in 1970. In 2025, the city recorded over 8 inches of rainfall during the month.