MP: IMD issues thunderstorm, rain alert for several districts

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Monday issued a warning for thunderstorms accompanied by lightning and rain in several districts of Madhya Pradesh, including Gwalior, Bhind, Morena, Datia, Sheopur, Shivpuri, Guna, Ashoknagar and Niwari, as well as Ratangarh and Orchha.
According to the IMD’s Bhopal centre, rainfall intensity is expected to remain below 5 mm per hour, while the probability of cloud-to-ground lightning is estimated at less than 30 per cent.The weather department has cautioned residents that thunderstorms and rainfall could lead to waterlogging in low-lying areas, reduced visibility, minor traffic disruptions and temporary power outages. Weak structures, crops and vegetation could also sustain limited damage due to adverse weather conditions.
Authorities have advised people to remain indoors during lightning activity, avoid taking shelter under trees or standing in open fields, and disconnect electrical appliances as a precaution. Motorists have also been urged to drive carefully and avoid waterlogged stretches.The latest advisory comes as parts of the state continue to recover from heavy rainfall over the past three days, which disrupted normal life, particularly in Bhopal.
Intense showers on Friday, October 16, caused widespread waterlogging, traffic congestion and disruptions to civic and medical services in the state capital.According to the Regional Meteorological Office, Bhopal district received approximately 100 mm of rainfall in the 24 hours ending at 11:30 am on Friday, compared with around 35 mm on Thursday and 42 mm on Wednesday.
Neighbouring districts, including Hoshangabad, Raisen and Vidisha, also witnessed moderate to heavy rainfall during the week. Hoshangabad recorded nearly 78 mm of rain on Thursday.The Bhopal Municipal Corporation deployed suction trucks and portable pumps to clear accumulated water from affected areas.
The mayor said municipal departments had been placed on high alert and emergency response protocols activated. However, continuous rainfall hampered drainage operations, prompting many residents to remain indoors despite it being a working day.
Meanwhile, rainfall activity remained limited across most parts of Madhya Pradesh, although Guna recorded significant precipitation.According to weather observations, Guna received 115.6 mm of rainfall during the preceding 24 hours, while Khandwa recorded 11 mm and Rajgarh 3 mm. Other reporting stations registered no rainfall.
The overall weather pattern across the state remained warm and humid, with above-normal temperatures, high morning humidity and isolated rainfall, particularly in the Guna region.The IMD has advised residents to monitor weather updates and take necessary precautions in areas likely to experience thunderstorms and lightning.