MP: Significant rainfall deficit ahead of monsoon; uneven rainfall recorded across several districts.
Madhya Pradesh: Rainfall in Madhya Pradesh remains significantly below normal ahead of the monsoon’s arrival. According to the latest data from the Meteorological Department, the state recorded an average rainfall of 28.4 mm between June 1 and June 18, whereas the normal average for this period is 46.8 mm. Consequently, the state has registered a rainfall deficit of approximately 39 percent.
This rainfall deficit is not uniform across the state. While some districts have received very little rain, others have recorded above-normal precipitation. This disparity has further complicated weather patterns.
Out of the state’s 52 districts, 22 have recorded 50 percent or less of the normal rainfall during this period. The situation is most concerning in Alirajpur district, which has received no rainfall at all between June 1 and June 18. The prolonged dry spell raises fears of increasing pressure on agriculture and water resources in the area.
In contrast, some districts have recorded above-normal rainfall due to pre-monsoon activity. The capital, Bhopal, recorded 100.7 mm of rain against a normal average of 52 mm—an excess of approximately 94 percent. Similarly, Sheopur district received 128 percent more rainfall, while Neemuch and Guna recorded excesses of 87 percent and 62 percent, respectively.
According to weather experts, such uneven rainfall is attributed to pre-monsoon systems and localized weather activity. Cloud activity leads to heavy rain in some places, while drought-like conditions persist in others, resulting in an uneven distribution of rainfall across the state.
Agricultural experts state that the rainfall deficit or uneven distribution in June could impact preparations for Kharif crops. Farmers are currently preparing to sow paddy and other crops; the lack of timely rainfall is, therefore, a cause for concern. The Water Resources Department and meteorological agencies in the state are monitoring the situation. It is expected that rainfall distribution will normalize and the deficit will be made up once the monsoon becomes active. However, the current coexistence of drought-like conditions in many parts of the state and excessive rainfall in others has highlighted a weather imbalance.
The Meteorological Department has indicated that rainfall conditions may improve as the monsoon progresses in the coming days; however, both farmers and the administration need to remain vigilant in the meantime.
