AFTER a brief spell of scattered rainfall, Chhattisgarh is expected to witness a significant increase in monsoon activity from June 27, bringing widespread rain, thunderstorms and lightning across State. The India Meteorological Department (IMD), Raipur, has said conditions are favourable for the southwest monsoon to advance into the remaining parts of Chhattisgarh over the next three to four days. According to the weather bulletin, light to moderate rain was recorded at isolated places during the last 24 hours. Kusmi and Bastar received 3 cm of rainfall each, while Bakavand, Balrampur and Gidam recorded 2 cm. Bilaspur remained the hottest place in the state with a maximum temperature of 39.4 degrees Celsius, while Pendra Road recorded the lowest minimum temperature at 23 degrees Celsius. Durg recorded a maximum temperature of 39.2 degrees Celsius.

 

The IMD said a seasonal trough extending from north Rajasthan to Bihar and an upper air cyclonic circulation over southeast Madhya Pradesh and adjoining areas are influencing the weather over the region. These systems are expected to strengthen rainfall activity during the coming days. For Friday, light to moderate rain is likely at a few places, while thunderstorms accompanied by lightning may occur at isolated locations. Over the following two days, rainfall is expected to become more widespread, with the possibility of heavy rain at isolated places. The department has also warned that moderate to severe lightning activity may continue across the state during the next seven days. For Raipur city, the forecast indicates a partly cloudy sky with chances of rain accompanied by thunder and lightning. The maximum and minimum temperatures are expected to remain around 38 degrees Celsius and 28 degrees Celsius respectively.