Chhattisgarh issues five-day heatwave alert; UV index peaks at extreme between 11–12am

Heatwave warning for central districts; officials warn of quick sunburn, dehydration and heatstroke risk

Raipur — The India Meteorological Department (IMD) and state weather offices have issued a five-day heatwave alert for central parts of Chhattisgarh, with maximum temperatures expected to rise 1–3°C over the next four days and very high ultraviolet (UV) radiation between late morning hours, officials said on Friday.

According to state meteorological officials, the UV index is likely to reach “extreme” levels between 11am and 12pm in many districts, elevating the risk of sunburn and eye damage within minutes if people are exposed to direct sunlight. The advisory asks residents to avoid non-essential travel during that hour.

Immediate danger window
Initial forecasts show UV intensity starting low early in the morning — around 1 at 8am — climbing to 5 by 9am, jumping to 9 by 10am and peaking at 11 during the 11–12pm slot, before easing back to about 9 at 1pm, the bulletin said. “People should try to stay indoors during late morning when UV is extreme. Even brief outdoor exposure can cause sunburn and eye irritation,” an official in the meteorological office told reporters.

Ground-level impact
On Friday, Raipur’s Mana area recorded a maximum temperature of 45°C, the highest in the state during the past 24 hours, while Ambikapur logged the coolest night at 25.6°C. Bilaspur and Raigarh reported daytime highs around 45°C and 44.8°C respectively, prompting health advisories and heat-safety warnings from local authorities.

Bilaspur’s health department issued precautions after temperatures hit 45°C, urging residents to avoid the sun during peak hours, stay hydrated, and check on vulnerable people such as children, the elderly and pregnant women. The district also published emergency helpline numbers: 87706-64365 and 75870-38622.

Medical perspective
Dermatology specialists and public health professionals cautioned that extreme UV can cause sunburn within minutes, increase dehydration risk and contribute to heatstroke — conditions that can escalate quickly in high temperatures. “In such conditions, we see more cases of acute heat-related illness, and even eyes suffer from photokeratitis and irritation,” said a senior doctor at a Raipur hospital, speaking on condition of anonymity. Officials advised lightweight, loose clothing, wide-brimmed hats, sunglasses and regular water intake.

Local atmosphere and daily life
Residents described the weather as relentless. Street vendors and commuters in Raipur and Bilaspur reported stepping out with scarves or makeshift coverings during the afternoon. In Raigarh, where evening drizzle was recorded on Wednesday, people said the brief rain brought no real relief from the humidity; many reported fans and coolers failing to provide comfort.

Weather trend and forecast
Meteorologists expect dry conditions to persist for at least two days in most parts of the state, driven by hot winds and clear skies. The IMD warned that daytime heat and humidity could raise the intensity of afternoon heat and gusts, increasing discomfort. After the initial four-day temperature rise, forecasts indicate temperatures may stabilise rather than fall sharply.

Public-health relevance
Experts flagged mental and cognitive effects tied to prolonged heat exposure. Studies show higher temperatures can increase irritability, sleep disruption and difficulties in concentration. “Sustained heat can push stress levels up and affect sleep patterns, which compounds physical vulnerability,” a public health researcher said, adding that services dealing with mental health may see a modest uptick in cases during extreme heat periods.

Practical advice and next steps
Authorities reiterated basic precautions: avoid direct sun between 10am and 2pm if possible, drink water frequently, wear protective clothing and sunscreen, and check on at-risk neighbours. Employers in exposed outdoor sectors were advised to rotate shifts and provide shaded breaks and drinking water. The state government said it would monitor the situation and update advisories if temperatures or UV forecasts change.

The IMD will issue routine updates as new satellite and ground observations come in. Local health and municipal departments said they are on alert to respond to heat-related emergencies over the coming days.