The southwest monsoon is expected to regain momentum across Chhattisgarh from Wednesday after a two-day dry spell, with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasting light to moderate rainfall across many districts and heavy showers, thunderstorms and lightning at isolated locations.

Cloudy skies prevailed over Raipur on Wednesday morning, with light drizzle reported from parts of the city. Weather officials said rainfall activity is likely to intensify across the state as fresh monsoon systems become active.

Rainfall Activity Set to Increase

According to the IMD, several districts are likely to receive light to moderate rainfall, while isolated areas may witness heavy rain accompanied by thunderstorms and lightning over the coming days.

Raipur is expected to remain cloudy throughout the day, with intermittent rain and thunderstorms. The city is likely to record a maximum temperature of around 35°C and a minimum of 27°C.

State Witnessed 48-Hour Dry Spell

The weather department said no rainfall was recorded anywhere in Chhattisgarh during the past 48 hours, marking an unusual dry phase for July, traditionally the state's wettest month.

Meteorologists attributed the dry conditions to a 'break monsoon', a phenomenon in which the monsoon trough weakens and rain-bearing systems shift away from central India, temporarily reducing rainfall activity.

Officials said the weather pattern is now changing, with fresh systems expected to revive rainfall across the region.

Rainfall Still 29% Below Normal

Despite forecasts of improved rainfall, Chhattisgarh continues to face a significant seasonal rainfall deficit.

Between June 1 and July 14, the state received 29 per cent less rainfall than normal, according to IMD data.

Out of the state's 32 districts, rainfall remains below normal in 16 districts, while 14 districts have recorded near-normal precipitation. Only one district has reported rainfall categorised as significantly above normal.

Sarangarh-Bilaigarh Records Highest Rainfall

Sarangarh-Bilaigarh has emerged as the state's wettest district this monsoon season, recording 462.5 mm of rainfall, nearly 74 per cent above the normal average of 265.7 mm.

Mungeli has also received above-normal rainfall, registering 331.8 mm, approximately 21 per cent higher than the seasonal average.

Several districts, including Balod, Baloda Bazar, Balrampur, Dantewada, Durg, Gariaband, Janjgir-Champa, Khairagarh-Chhuikhadan-Gandai, Korba, Mahasamund, Narayanpur, Raipur, Rajnandgaon, Sakti and Bilaspur, have recorded rainfall ranging from near-normal to moderately deficient levels.

July Rain Crucial for Kharif Crops

Agriculture experts note that the first half of July is the most critical period for sowing kharif crops, particularly paddy.

Below-normal rainfall in several districts could affect sowing operations and the initial growth of crops if rainfall does not improve in the coming days.

With the monsoon expected to become active again, farmers are hoping the upcoming showers will help bridge the rainfall deficit and improve soil moisture across agricultural regions.

Weather officials have advised residents to remain alert during thunderstorms and avoid open areas during lightning activity.