Weather: SW Monsoon-2026 finally reaches Chhattisgarh; rain likely in Madhya Pradesh after this date; check IMD predictions and alerts
After stalling near the Chhattisgarh border for nearly two weeks, the Southwest Monsoon-2026 finally resumed its advance on Monday, entering the state via Dantewada. This development has brought relief to the people and raised hopes for monsoon rains in the neighboring state of Madhya Pradesh as well.
Heavy rain alert for Bastar division
According to India Meteorological Department (IMD) officials, a new weather system formed in the Bay of Bengal facilitated the monsoon's advance. A heavy rain alert has been issued for the Bastar division, where widespread rainfall is expected in the coming days. This same weather system has also aided the monsoon's expansion into further parts of Maharashtra.
Monsoon could enter Madhya Pradesh after June 25
Meteorologists believe the monsoon could enter Madhya Pradesh after June 25. Until then, hot and humid conditions are likely to persist across many parts of the state. Heatwave-like conditions were observed in five districts of Madhya Pradesh on Sunday.
Lightning strikes kill 11 in Jharkhand
Weather-related incidents have also been reported from other parts of the country. In Jharkhand, 11 people—including three women and a 10-year-old girl—died due to lightning strikes in the last 24 hours. Meghalaya experienced very heavy rainfall, with Mawsynram recording 530 mm of rain in a single day.
Whirlwind spotted in Tamil Nadu's Thoothukudi
Meanwhile, a whirlwind was spotted in Tamil Nadu's Thoothukudi district; while initially mistaken for a tornado, the India Meteorological Department later clarified that it was a local convective vortex, commonly known as a 'dust devil.' Hailstorms were also reported in Sri Ganganagar, Rajasthan.