Chhattisgarh continues to witness sluggish monsoon activity, with the state recording a 21% rainfall deficit so far this season despite scattered showers over the past 24 hours. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has, however, forecast an improvement in rainfall activity over the next five days and issued a yellow alert for four districts in the Surguja division, warning of thunderstorms and lightning.

According to IMD data, the state received 252.4 mm of rainfall between June 1 and July 11 against the normal seasonal average of 320.6 mm. The shortfall reflects a slowdown in monsoon activity during the second week of July, raising concerns for agriculture in several districts.

Yellow Alert for Four Districts

The weather department has issued a yellow alert for Surguja, Surajpur, Balrampur and Jashpur on Sunday, warning of light to moderate rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms and lightning.

Meteorologists have indicated that rainfall activity is likely to intensify from July 13 as favourable weather systems become more active. Residents have been advised to avoid open fields, isolated trees and electric poles during thunderstorms due to the risk of lightning strikes.

Two Weather Systems Driving Rainfall

According to IMD, two significant weather systems are currently influencing weather conditions across central India.

An upper air cyclonic circulation persists over eastern Uttar Pradesh, while another cyclonic circulation remains active over north-west Bihar and adjoining areas. These systems are continuously drawing moisture-laden winds from the Bay of Bengal towards Chhattisgarh, creating favourable conditions for cloud formation and rainfall across several parts of the state.

Weather experts expect the combined influence of these systems to strengthen from Monday, leading to an increase in rainfall intensity across northern districts.

Half the State Still Facing Rainfall Deficit

Despite intermittent showers, rainfall remains below normal in half of Chhattisgarh's districts. Out of 32 districts, 16 have reported deficient rainfall, while 14 districts fall within the normal range.

The rainfall deficit is particularly severe in northern Chhattisgarh. Surguja has recorded a 54% shortfall, followed by Jashpur (42%), Korea (39%), Surajpur (30%) and Manendragarh-Bharatpur (29%).

In Bastar division, traditionally among the state's wettest regions, rainfall has also remained below expectations. Bastar district has recorded a 27% deficit, Kondagaon 34%, Sukma 32% and Bijapur 20%, although Dantewada and Narayanpur have reported comparatively better rainfall.

Sarangarh-Bilaigarh Tops Rainfall Chart

Sarangarh-Bilaigarh has emerged as the state's wettest district so far this season, recording 462.5 mm of rainfall against the normal 265.7 mm—an excess of 74%. It is currently the only district classified under the "large excess rainfall" category.

Mungeli has also received above-normal rainfall, recording 331.8 mm, around 21% higher than the seasonal average.

Several districts, including Balod, Balodabazar, Balrampur, Gariaband, Janjgir-Champa, Raipur, Mahasamund and Rajnandgaon, have reported rainfall close to seasonal norms.

Temperatures Remain Moderate

Durg recorded the highest maximum temperature in the state at 33.6 degrees Celsius, while Ambikapur registered the lowest minimum temperature at 23.8 degrees Celsius during the last 24 hours.

For Raipur, the weather department has forecast cloudy skies with intermittent spells of rain throughout Sunday. Thunderstorms and lightning are also likely, with temperatures expected to range between 27 degrees Celsius and 34 degrees Celsius.

Agriculture Depends on Upcoming Showers

The rainfall situation remains crucial for farmers as the first half of July is considered the most important period for Kharif crop sowing, particularly paddy cultivation. Insufficient rainfall in several districts could delay sowing operations and affect early crop growth.

Meteorologists believe that if the predicted increase in rainfall between July 13 and July 15 materialises, soil moisture levels will improve significantly, providing much-needed relief to farmers across the state.