Chhattisgarh reels under intense heat; Rajnandgaon hits 46°C as 18 districts face heatwave

Heatwave grips central state, officials warn of temperatures up to 45°C; Bilaspur reports suspected heat-related death

 Scorching temperatures continued across Chhattisgarh on Sunday, with Rajnandgaon recording the state’s highest mercury at 46°C and the India Meteorological Department (IMD) issuing a heatwave alert for 18 districts including Raipur, Bilaspur and Durg.

Heat peaks, alerts issued
According to state meteorological officials, daytime temperatures in central parts of the state are likely to hover between 44°C and 45°C over the next 24 hours. The IMD warned of strong hot winds and advised authorities in Raipur, Durg, Bilaspur, Rajnandgaon, Raigarh, Korba and 11 other districts to remain alert for heatwave conditions that could persist for up to five days.

Local weather bureaus said the statewide weather remained dry, with no rainfall recorded anywhere in Chhattisgarh on Sunday morning. Minimums stayed relatively higher in the plains; Ambikapur recorded the lowest night temperature at 22.6°C, officials added.

Suspected heat-related fatality
In Bilaspur, health officials said an elderly person was found dead on Sunday and initial reports indicate heat exposure may be a factor. The district health department issued an advisory after temperatures touched 44–45°C, urging residents — particularly children, the elderly and pregnant women — to avoid direct sun during peak hours and to stay hydrated.

Emergency helplines 87706-64365 and 75870-38622 were activated for heat-related assistance, authorities said. Local hospitals have been put on standby and public awareness messages are being circulated through social media and local radio.

Ground-level impact
In Raigarh, residents described daytime heat as relentless. “Even fans and coolers feel ineffective,” a shopkeeper in the district urban market told reporters, requesting anonymity. A brief evening drizzle on Wednesday provided only transient relief, officials said, with humidity and warm night winds maintaining discomfort.

City administrations in Raipur and Bilaspur have been urged to open more drinking-water points and temporary shade structures at busy markets and transport hubs. Transport departments are coordinating with municipal teams to monitor vulnerable populations living in informal settlements, according to local officials.

Health risks and timings to avoid sun
IMD advisories stressed that ultraviolet (UV) radiation will intensify through the morning: UV index expected to rise from low levels before 9am to hazardous levels around 10–11am, making late morning and early afternoon the most dangerous window for outdoor activity. Residents were advised to avoid going out between 10am and 2pm unless necessary.

Prolonged exposure to such heat can lead to dehydration, heat exhaustion and, in severe cases, heatstroke, public health officials said. Common symptoms include dizziness, nausea, headache and reduced urine output. Medical practitioners recommended sips of oral rehydration solutions, frequent breaks in shaded or air-conditioned spaces and light, easily digestible meals.

Mental health, work fatigue
Public health bulletins also flagged less visible effects of sustained high temperatures. Studies cited by health departments suggest heat can aggravate sleep problems, irritability and reduced cognitive focus, increasing workplace errors and stress levels. Officials urged employers to consider flexible working hours where possible and to ensure outdoor workers get frequent breaks and water.

What next
Meteorological officers said the heatwave could continue across central Chhattisgarh for several more days before any relief arrives from western disturbances or a change in wind patterns. State disaster management and health departments are scheduled to review preparedness later this week and coordinate with district administrations on outreach and emergency response.

For now, authorities are emphasising simple precautions: stay hydrated, limit strenuous activity during peak heat, check on elderly neighbours, and seek immediate medical help if anyone shows signs of heatstroke. Local helplines remain operative for emergency support.