Bhopal (Madhya Pradesh): The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert for very heavy rainfall in Betul and Burhanpur, predicting up to 8.5 inches of rainfall in the next 24 hours
Meanwhile, 13 other districts including Jhabua, Alirajpur, Barwani, Dhar, Khargone, Dewas, Khandwa, Harda, Narmadapuram, Chhindwara, Pandhurna, Seoni, and Balaghat may receive up to 4.5 inches of rain.
Weather systems behind the rainfall
Meteorologists explained that a monsoon trough is currently passing through Madhya Pradesh. In addition, a cyclonic circulation and a low-pressure area are active in the region, leading to continuous and intense rainfall across the western and southern parts of the state.
Heavy Rains to continue on August 17 and beyond
According to the forecast, August 17 will see continued heavy rain in several parts of the state. A stronger rain system is expected to activate from August 18, possibly causing very heavy rain across multiple districts until the end of the month.

Rainfall status so far
Madhya Pradesh has received 30.5 inches of rainfall so far, against the seasonal average of 37 inches, which means 82%of the quota is already completed. With more rain forecasted, the remaining 6.5 inches is expected to fall within this month.
District-wise Rainfall Overview
Highest Rainfall: Mandla and Guna have recorded over 46 inches of rain.
Top Districts: Niwari (45.6 inches), Tikamgarh (45.2 inches), Ashok Nagar (42.9 inches) other rain-rich districts are Vidisha, Jabalpur, Narsinghpur, Balaghat, Dindori, Sagar, Panna, Sheopur, Singrauli, Sidhi, Narmadapuram, Umaria (30+ inches).
Indore division remains the lowest in rainfall.
Regional Rainfall Variations
Eastern MP (Jabalpur, Sagar, Shahdol, Rewa divisions): 31% above average
Western MP (Bhopal, Indore, Ujjain, Gwalior, Chambal, Narmadapuram divisions): 20% above average