Weather: Intense Heat Grips Chhattisgarh; When Will Monsoon Arrive, Check IMD Predictions and Updates
Raipur: The heatwave in Chhattisgarh continues to intensify, with temperatures in most parts of the state soaring past the 40-degree Celsius mark. Along with daytime temperatures, a rise is also being observed in night and morning temperatures, subjecting residents to oppressive humidity and hot winds.
Amidst this, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has offered a glimmer of hope with a forecast suggesting that the Southwest Monsoon may arrive about a week earlier than its usual schedule this year.
According to the IMD, the monsoon is expected to reach Kerala between May 25 and May 27. Typically, the monsoon enters Chhattisgarh between June 10 and June 15; however, current indications suggest an earlier arrival this time around.
The state is currently witnessing two distinct weather patterns. On one hand, scorching sun and hot winds in the plains have disrupted daily life, while on the other, some regions are experiencing spells of light rain accompanied by thunder and lightning.
On Wednesday, Durg emerged as the hottest city in the state, recording a maximum temperature of 42.6 degrees Celsius. In the capital city of Raipur, temperatures of 41 degrees Celsius were recorded in the Lalpur area, while the Mana Airport area recorded 40.7 degrees Celsius.
Additionally, maximum temperatures of 40.4 degrees Celsius were recorded in Bilaspur, 39.2 degrees in Pendra Road, 38 degrees in Ambikapur, and 38.4 degrees in Jagdalpur.
In terms of minimum temperatures, Jagdalpur remained the coolest region, with the mercury dipping to 24.6 degrees Celsius. According to the Meteorological Department, the maximum temperatures across the state have risen by 1 to 2 degrees Celsius over the past 24 hours.
The Meteorological Department has forecast the possibility of rain accompanied by thunder and lightning in several districts across the Bilaspur, Surguja, and Raipur divisions over the next five days. Simultaneously, a heatwave warning has been issued for various parts of central Chhattisgarh, effective from May 16 onwards. The department estimates that the temperature could rise by another two to three degrees Celsius over the next five days.