Monsoon to reach Madhya Pradesh within two days:Rain and thunderstorms expected across 42 districts as pre-monsoon activity continues

The southwest monsoon has reached the doorstep of Madhya Pradesh and is expected to enter the state within the next two to three days, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD) in Bhopal. It is likely to arrive through Balaghat, Chhindwara, and Pandhurna districts. Before the monsoon officially arrives, pre-monsoon weather activity will continue across the state. On Wednesday, thunderstorms and rain are expected in 42 districts, including Bhopal, Indore, Jabalpur, Chhindwara, Balaghat, Rewa, Sagar, Satna, Shahdol, and several others. Heatwave alert for Narsinghpur The IMD has also issued a heatwave warning for Narsinghpur district. Hot weather is expected to continue in Gwalior, Bhind, Morena, Datia, Ashoknagar, Sheopur, Shivpuri, Neemuch, Mandsaur, Ratlam, Ujjain, and Agar Malwa. Rainfall 53% below normal so far Due to the delayed arrival of the monsoon, Madhya Pradesh has received much less rainfall than usual this June. Between June 1 and now, the state should have received around 78.5 mm of rain but has recorded only 37.1 mm—about 53% below normal. As many as 48 districts, including Indore, Ujjain, and Gwalior, have reported below-average rainfall. Delay affecting kharif crop sowing The lack of rain has delayed the sowing of kharif crops such as soybean. Agricultural experts say at least four inches of rainfall are needed for suitable soil conditions. So far, Bhopal is the only district to have crossed that mark, receiving around five inches of rain, which is 63% above normal. Why is rainfall low? The normal date for the monsoon to enter Madhya Pradesh is June 15, but it has been delayed by about nine days. Officials expect it to arrive within the next few days. Only pre-monsoon showers have occurred so far, resulting in below-average rainfall across the state. Eastern Madhya Pradesh, including the Jabalpur, Rewa, Sagar, and Shahdol divisions, has recorded around 72% less rainfall than normal. Western regions, including Bhopal, Indore, Ujjain, Narmadapuram, and Gwalior-Chambal, have received about 35% less rainfall than average. Recent rainfall and temperatures On Tuesday, several districts received rain. Balaghat recorded around 1.25 inches of rainfall, while Raisen received about 0.75 inches. Rain was also reported in Dhar, Narmadapuram, Indore, Khargone, Rajgarh, Chhindwara, Jabalpur, Sagar, Seoni, Tikamgarh, and Barwani. The rain brought down daytime temperatures significantly. Pachmarhi recorded the lowest maximum temperature at 30.2°C, while Datia and Sidhi were the hottest places at 41.2°C. Among the major cities: Rainfall trends in major cities