MP pre-monsoon rain surges 65% above June quota. Storm and heavy rain alerts issued for half the state as temperatures drop. Monsoon arrival updates.
Thunderstorms and Rain Alert: Although the southwest monsoon has not officially entered Madhya Pradesh yet, pre-monsoon activity is so strong that 65 per cent of June’s rainfall quota has already been met. Across the state, an average of over half an inch of rain has fallen so far, compared to the usual historical average of just 8.3 mm for this time of the month. Meanwhile, along with Bhopal, Agar-Malwa and Shajapur have recorded 2 inches of rain, while Neemuch has registered the highest rainfall at two and a half inches.
Pre-monsoon activities are steadily intensifying across the state, ensuring that more than 65 per cent of the average rainfall quota fixed for June has already been covered. According to the Meteorological Department, the southwest monsoon is expected to make its entry into Madhya Pradesh between 15 and 18 June.
The Meteorological Department has issued a fresh alert today predicting strong winds, thunder, lightning, and heavy rain across several districts. Meanwhile, some areas are expected to witness rainfall accompanied by high-speed winds. Local authorities have urged citizens to remain vigilant during the adverse weather and stay in safe places. According to experts, if the current weather systems remain active, the monsoon is likely to enter Madhya Pradesh around its scheduled time between 15 and 18 June. The arrival of the monsoon is also expected to trigger a spell of heavy rainfall across the state.
Drop in temperatures
Meanwhile, heavy showers were recorded over the last 24 hours in several districts, including the capital city of Bhopal, leading to a noticeable drop in temperatures and bringing much-needed relief from the scorching summer heat. The rain has made the weather pleasant across various regions, with day temperatures registering a significant decline.
2.5 inches of rain in Neemuch district
So far, Neemuch district has recorded the highest rainfall in the state at around 2.5 inches. Several other districts have also registered over an inch of rain. Due to the continuously active weather systems, pre-monsoon showers are persisting statewide. Meteorologists stated that rainfall activity has intensified due to moisture drawing in from the Arabian Sea and the Bay of Bengal, combined with the impact of a western disturbance and cyclonic circulation. This is why many districts are receiving heavy spells of rain well before the formal arrival of the monsoon.
Intense heat in Bhopal until 15 June
The capital typically sees a dual trend of extreme heat and heavy rainfall during June. Over the last decade, the period leading up to 15 June has traditionally witnessed severe heatwaves, with temperatures crossing the 44°C mark in three of those years. Conversely, night temperatures have occasionally dropped to 17.4°C. In 2020, the city recorded its highest June rainfall of 16 inches. Meanwhile, in 2024, the capital received 10.9 inches of rain across the month—marking the second-highest June rainfall in ten years—which included a heavy deluge of nearly 5 inches within a single 24-hour period.