Monsoon activity has intensified across Chhattisgarh following the formation of a low-pressure area over the Bay of Bengal, prompting the India Meteorological Department (IMD) to issue a warning for widespread rainfall over the next 48 hours. Several districts, particularly in central and southern Chhattisgarh, are expected to receive moderate to heavy rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms and lightning.

According to the IMD, the weather system is expected to strengthen further, reviving monsoon conditions after a prolonged dry spell across the state.

Rainfall Activity Expected to Increase

The weather department has forecast light to moderate rainfall in many parts of the state on Thursday, while isolated locations may experience heavy showers, thunderstorms, and lightning.

The impact of the Bay of Bengal system is expected to be most pronounced in central and southern districts before spreading to other regions over the next two days.

State Records 29% Rainfall Deficit

Despite the expected improvement, Chhattisgarh has recorded 29% below-normal rainfall between June 1 and July 15, according to IMD data.

Out of the state's 32 districts, 16 continue to face rainfall deficiency, while 14 districts have received normal rainfall. Meteorologists believe the fresh spell of rain could significantly reduce the existing rainfall deficit if the system remains active.

Raipur Likely to Witness Showers

In the state capital Raipur, cloudy skies are expected throughout the day, with intermittent rain or thundershowers likely. The maximum temperature is forecast to remain around 30°C, while the minimum temperature is expected to hover near 24°C.

On Wednesday, Rajnandgaon recorded the state's highest maximum temperature at 35.5°C, while Bilaspur registered the lowest minimum temperature at 24.2°C.

Central, Southern Districts May Receive Heavier Rain

Meteorologists said the strengthening low-pressure area could bring relatively heavier rainfall to central and southern Chhattisgarh, offering relief to farmers and improving water availability in reservoirs and groundwater sources.

The renewed rainfall is expected to benefit kharif crops, which depend heavily on consistent monsoon activity during July.

Break Monsoon Had Impacted Agriculture

Weather experts noted that July is typically the wettest month in Chhattisgarh. The recent decline in rainfall was attributed to a break monsoon phase, during which the monsoon trough shifted away from the region and low-pressure systems weakened.

Such conditions temporarily reduced rainfall across central India, including Chhattisgarh, delaying agricultural activities in several districts.

Rainfall Distribution Remains Uneven

Rainfall has varied considerably across districts this season.

Sarangarh-Bilaigarh has recorded 462.5 mm of rainfall, around 74% above normal, making it the only district in the "large excess" rainfall category. Mungeli has also received above-normal rainfall, while several districts including Balod, Baloda Bazar, Dantewada, Raipur, Janjgir-Champa, Mahasamund, Sakti, and Khairagarh-Chhuikhadan-Gandai have reported rainfall close to normal levels.

However, rainfall continues to remain below normal in several other districts, highlighting the uneven distribution of monsoon showers across the state.

The IMD has advised residents to remain cautious during thunderstorms and lightning and urged farmers and local administrations to monitor updated weather advisories over the coming days.