Chhattisgarh witnessed an unusual pause in monsoon activity as no rainfall was recorded anywhere in the state during the past 24 hours, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD). The temporary lull has pushed the state's seasonal rainfall deficit to 26% below normal since June 1, raising concerns among farmers during the crucial kharif sowing season.

Weather experts attributed the dry spell to a "break monsoon" phase, a condition in which the monsoon trough weakens and rain-bearing systems move away from central India, resulting in significantly reduced rainfall across the region.

However, the IMD has predicted that rainfall activity is likely to revive from July 15, with the possibility of heavy rain, thunderstorms and lightning in several parts of the state over the next two days.

Break Monsoon Conditions

Meteorologists said the current weather pattern is linked to the weakening of the active monsoon system. At present, the monsoon trough extends from Sri Ganganagar to Manipur, while a cyclonic circulation over the Bay of Bengal and Bangladesh is expected to strengthen weather activity over central India.

As these systems become more active, rainfall is expected to increase across Chhattisgarh beginning Tuesday night and continue through July 15 and 16.

Rainfall Deficit Remains a Concern

Despite intermittent spells of heavy rain in recent weeks, the state has received 26% less rainfall than normal so far this monsoon season.

Out of 32 districts, 16 continue to face rainfall deficiency, while 14 districts have recorded near-normal rainfall. Only Sarangarh-Bilaigarh falls in the category of receiving exceptionally high rainfall.

The district has received 462.5 mm of rain, nearly 74% above its seasonal normal of 265.7 mm. Mungeli has also recorded 21% above-normal rainfall, while districts including Balod, Balodabazar, Balrampur, Dantewada, Janjgir-Champa, Mahasamund and Raipur have reported rainfall close to normal levels.

Impact on Agriculture

The slowdown in rainfall comes during one of the most critical periods for kharif cultivation, particularly paddy transplantation and early crop growth.

Agricultural experts say prolonged dry conditions could affect sowing operations in districts already facing rainfall shortages. Adequate rainfall over the next few days will be crucial to restore soil moisture and support crop development.

Temperature Update

With rainfall absent across the state, temperatures have also risen.

• Highest maximum temperature: 35.2°C in Raipur and Bilaspur

• Lowest minimum temperature: 23.9°C in Ambikapur

The rise in daytime temperatures has added to humidity levels across several districts.

Raipur Weather Forecast

For July 14, Raipur is expected to witness partly cloudy to cloudy skies.

• Maximum Temperature: Around 35°C

• Minimum Temperature: Around 27°C

The IMD has indicated the possibility of light rain during the next 24 hours, with rainfall activity likely to intensify from Wednesday.

With monsoon systems expected to regain strength over eastern India, weather officials remain optimistic that Chhattisgarh will receive widespread rainfall over the coming days, offering much-needed relief to farmers and helping reduce the seasonal rainfall deficit.