Cyclone Arnab Triggers Heavy Rainfall Alerts in Eastern Madhya Pradesh

The India Meteorological Department has issued an orange alert for eastern Madhya Pradesh as Cyclone Arnab approaches, bringing the risk of extremely heavy rainfall. Areas like Mauganj, Sidhi, and Singrauli are particularly affected, with warnings of thunderstorms and lightning. Despite the monsoon's official withdrawal, rainfall continues due to various weather systems. Residents are advised to take precautions, especially in low-lying areas. This unusual weather pattern for October has led to a mix of sunshine and rain, with localized systems sustaining the rainfall. Stay updated on the evolving weather conditions.

By Narendra Chaudhary Oct 29, 2026, 13:19 IST

Severe Weather Warning Issued

Representational Image

Bhopal, Oct 29: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has announced an orange alert for extremely heavy rainfall in certain regions of eastern Madhya Pradesh, effective Thursday, due to the impact of Cyclone Arnab.

Areas including Mauganj, Sidhi, and Singrauli are under this alert, while additional districts are cautioned about heavy rain and thunderstorms.

The Meteorological Centre in Bhopal forecasts moderate thunderstorms accompanied by lightning and rain in Balaghat, Mandla, Kanha, Dindori, Shahdol, Banagarh Dam, Anuppur, Amarkantak, Sidhi, and Singrauli.

Thunderstorms with lightning and light rain are anticipated in Seoni, Jabalpur, Bhedaghat, Katni, Umaria, Bandhavgarh, Satna, Chitrakoot, Maihar, Rewa, Mauganj, Panna, Tikamgarh, Chhatarpur, Khajuraho, Damoh, Narsinghpur, Chhindwara, and Pandhurna.

The IMD has warned of moderate rainfall rates of 5-15 mm per hour in the orange-alert regions, with a 30-60% chance of cloud-to-ground lightning strikes. Other areas may experience light rain of less than 5 mm per hour with a lower likelihood of lightning.

Despite the monsoon's withdrawal, rainfall persists in the state. Conditions are expected to worsen in the eastern parts on Thursday, with heavy rain predicted in Rewa, Satna, Maihar, Shahdol, Umaria, Anuppur, Dindori, Mandla, and Balaghat, where some locations might receive over four inches of rain.

In cities like Bhopal, Gwalior, Raisen, Sehore, Rajgarh, Vidisha, Shajapur, Dewas, Narmadapuram, Betul, Harda, Guna, Shivpuri, Datia, Ashoknagar, Morena, Bhind, and Sheopur, residents can expect cloudy weather, light rain, strong winds, and thunderstorms.

The IMD has urged the public to avoid low-lying areas, refrain from seeking shelter under trees during storms, and exercise caution while driving on wet roads.

Although the southwest monsoon officially withdrew from Madhya Pradesh on October 3, rainfall has continued throughout the month due to various weather systems, including the cyclone's influence in the Bay of Bengal.

Weather analysts indicate that historical data from the last decade shows October can bring a combination of rain, heat, and cold. The month has seen bright sunshine and clear skies, but nighttime temperatures have dropped, accompanied by rain in several districts. The southwest monsoon was active for approximately 100 days, and localized weather systems are maintaining the ongoing rainfall.