Bhopal, July 21 (IANS) With the monsoon remaining active over Madhya Pradesh, Bhopal city and its vicinity received all-night rains after a ten-day-long recess. The India Meteorological Department (IMD), Bhopal centre has issued a warning for moderate thunderstorms accompanied by lightning and moderate rainfall over multiple districts in the state.

According to the bulletin, moderate thunderstorm with lightning, moderate rainfall is expected over towns of Neemuch, Mandsaur, Ujjain, Mahakaleshwar, Agarmalwa, Rajgarh, Sehore, Shajapur, Dewas, Bhopal City, Bairagarh, Nabibagh, Raisen, Bhimbetka, Sanchi, Narmadapuram, Pachmarhi, Hoshangabad, Narsinghpur.

Moderate rain of 5-15 mm per hour is possible, with cloud to ground lightning probability of 30-60 per cent.

Light thunderstorm with lightning and light rain is likely over Vidisha, Udaygiri, Damoh, Panna, Satna, Chitrakoot, Rewa, Mauganj, Singrauli, Sidhi, Maihar, Katni, Umaria, Bhandhavgarh, Dindori, Jabalpur, Bhedaghat, Mandla, Shahdol, Anuppur, Amarkantak, Balaghat, Seoni, Chhindwara, Betul, Pandhurna, Khandwa, Omkareshwar, Harda, Burhanpur, Khargone, Maheshwar, Ratlam, Dholawad, Jhabua, Alirajpur, Dhar, Mandu, Indore, Barwani, Bawangaja.

Light rain of less than 5 mm per hour is anticipated, with cloud to ground lightning probability under 30 per cent.

The fresh spell comes as a relief amid prevailing rainfall deficits. So far this season, Madhya Pradesh has received approximately 17 per cent less rainfall than normal across the state.

There has been no heavy rainfall in the region for about 12 days, leading to drought-like conditions in several areas.

Rainfall deficits stand at 23 per cent in eastern MP and 10 per cent in western MP. However, the rainfall is expected across approximately 90 per cent of the state over the next five days, up to July 25.

This could help ease the moisture stress on standing crops, replenish water bodies, and improve soil conditions for agriculture.

Residents in affected regions are advised to take precautions against waterlogging in low-lying areas, possible traffic disruptions, damage to weak structures, and lightning risks.

Weather experts have recommended avoiding low-lying areas, flooded roads, and staying away from tall trees during thunderstorms.

Motorists should exercise caution due to reduced visibility and slippery conditions. Farmers are urged to secure vulnerable crops and avoid outdoor activities during heavy downpours.

The IMD has also highlighted potential impacts including temporary flooding in low-lying zones, rise in river and stream water levels, minor damage to kutcha structures, and disruptions to road and rail traffic.

–IANS

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