A combination of active weather systems is bringing widespread rainfall and stormy conditions to several parts of Madhya Pradesh. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), a cyclonic circulation has formed over the northern parts of central Uttar Pradesh, while a deep depression persists over the northwest Bay of Bengal, near the West Bengal-Bangladesh coasts.
Crucially, a trough line is extending from southeast Rajasthan to the center of this deep depression, passing directly through northern Madhya Pradesh, as well as parts of Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, and Gangetic West Bengal. This alignment is drawing abundant moisture from the Bay of Bengal, intensifying rainfall and thunderstorm activity across large parts of the state.
Districts in eastern Madhya Pradesh, including Rewa, Sidhi, Shahdol, and Anuppur, have witnessed moderate to heavy showers over the last 24 hours. Northern regions such as Satna, Umaria, and Singrauli also reported thunderstorms accompanied by gusty winds and lightning. In the state capital Bhopal and parts of central MP like Raisen, Vidisha, and Sehore, intermittent rain and cloudy skies brought much-needed relief from the summer heat.
According to IMD forecasts, the intensity of rainfall is expected to increase over the next 48 hours, with isolated heavy to very heavy spells likely in the eastern belt. Storm activity is expected to continue in areas including Jabalpur, Mandla, Dindori, and Balaghat.
The IMD has issued a yellow alert for rainfall and lightning across more than a dozen districts, including Rewa, Satna, Umaria, Shahdol, and Mandla. Local administrations have been advised to stay on alert, particularly in regions vulnerable to flooding or landslides.
"Due to the alignment of the trough over north Madhya Pradesh and the influence of the depression over the Bay of Bengal, we are witnessing strong convective activity. Rainfall is likely to remain active for the next 2-3 days," said an IMD scientist at the Bhopal Regional Centre.
Farmers in the affected districts are being advised to delay sowing activities and protect harvested crops. Agricultural officers in Rewa and Shahdol divisions have issued advisories to take preventive measures against waterlogging in fields.
Meanwhile, daily life has been moderately impacted in several towns due to short-term power cuts, waterlogging on rural roads, and transportation delays. Local authorities are deploying teams to clear fallen branches and monitor water drainage in low-lying urban areas.
While the rainfall has caused minor disruptions, it has also brought relief from the intense heatwave conditions that gripped parts of Madhya Pradesh earlier this month. Day temperatures in most districts have dipped by 4-6°C, bringing comfort to residents and improving air quality.
Meteorologists are closely monitoring the deep depression in the Bay of Bengal, though there are currently no signs of cyclonic development. However, the associated trough line is expected to continue influencing weather in Madhya Pradesh, particularly in the eastern and northern zones, through the weekend.
Residents are advised to follow local weather updates, stay indoors during lightning, and avoid venturing into waterlogged areas. While there is no flood-like situation in Madhya Pradesh, the impact of gusty winds and thunderstorms has been felt in several districts. Reports of uprooted trees and broken electric poles have come in from Rewa, Satna, and Umaria, leading to brief power outages in some urban and rural areas. Electricity departments in these districts are working on war footing to restore supply, and local municipal teams have been deployed to clear fallen trees from roads and residential areas.
Authorities have urged citizens to stay indoors during thunderstorms and avoid taking shelter under trees or near power lines.
