RAIPUR :

 

AMID apprehensions over a delay in the arrival of the Southwest Monsoon, there is some relief as weather conditions indicate a strengthening of the monsoon’s advance over Chhattisgarh. Widespread rainfall activity over the last two days has brought some respite from the prolonged spell of heat and humidity across several parts of the state. As forecast by meteorologists, rainfall was witnessed late on Thursday evening in Raipur, Durg, Bhilai and several other districts, signaling further advancement of the monsoon system. Weather conditions across the state have become increasingly favourable, with active moisture incursion from the Bay of Bengal fuelling widespread rainfall activity. The showers have led to a noticeable drop in temperatures and improved weather conditions in both urban and rural areas. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has indicated that the monsoon is likely to make further progress across the state over the next few days, supported by conducive atmospheric conditions. Amid concerns over a delayed Southwest Monsoon, widespread rainfall across Chhattisgarh over the past two days has brought relief from the prolonged heat and humidity.

 

Showers lashed Raipur, Durg, Bhilai and several other districts on Thursday evening, indicating strengthening monsoon activity. The first major signs of the monsoon’s advance were seen in the Bastar region on June 17, where continuous rainfall accompanied by thunder and lightning was reported for nearly two hours. Similar weather conditions later spread to central districts. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), conditions remain favourable for further advancement of the monsoon, with enhanced rainfall expected in Bastar, Sukma, Bijapur and Dantewada, while Raipur, Durg, Bhilai and Bilaspur are likely to witness intensified monsoon conditions in the coming days. The IMD has issued a five-day alert for rain, thunderstorms, lightning and winds of 40-50 kmph. However, weather experts caution that despite the recent rainfall, the monsoon has not yet fully advanced over the state. The increase in rainfall activity has already resulted in a noticeable decline in temperatures across the State. Maximum temperatures have dropped by up to 4 degrees Celsius over the past 24 hours, providing relief from the heat wave-like conditions. Raipur recorded the State’s highest maximum temperature at 38.5°C, while Durg reported the lowest minimum temperature at 24.2°C.