Chhattisgarh weather changed amid intense Nautapa heat as rain lashed Ambikapur and Surajpur, while Raipur remains under dust storm alert.

Chhattisgarh witnessed a sudden change in weather conditions during the ongoing Nautapa period, with several districts receiving rainfall and the India Meteorological Department (IMD) issuing alerts for thunderstorms, dust storms and gusty winds over the next two days.

Heavy rain was reported in parts of Ambikapur and Surajpur on Friday morning, bringing temporary relief from the severe heat that has gripped the state for the past week. Residents in northern districts woke up to cloudy skies and showers after days of intense temperatures hovering near or above 45 degrees Celsius.

The weather department has warned of dust-laden winds and thunderstorms in Raipur and adjoining regions. Officials said wind speeds could reach 50 to 60 kmph in isolated pockets, while some places may also witness hail activity.

Despite the change in weather, temperatures remained high across most parts of the state over the last 24 hours. Durg recorded the highest maximum temperature at 45.5 degrees Celsius, making it the hottest city in Chhattisgarh on Thursday. Ambikapur registered a minimum temperature of 25.7 degrees Celsius.

Rain In Northern Belt

Rainfall activity was reported early Friday in Ambikapur and Pratappur area of Surajpur district. Locals said the showers brought noticeable relief after continuous heatwave-like conditions through the week.

Visuals from several areas showed waterlogged roads and overcast skies, while farmers and residents welcomed the cooler weather, even though the relief is expected to remain temporary.

Dust Storm Warning

In Raipur, weather officials have predicted partly cloudy skies along with chances of thunder, lightning and dust storms through the day. The maximum temperature in the capital is expected to remain around 44 degrees Celsius, with minimum temperature near 29 degrees Celsius.

Authorities have advised people to remain cautious during strong wind activity, especially in open areas and near weak structures or trees.

Impact Seen Earlier

The changing weather pattern had already started showing its impact on Thursday evening. In Raigarh district, strong winds uprooted trees in some areas. One incident involved a tree falling on a parked vehicle following intense gusty winds and rain.

Sukma district also witnessed storm activity accompanied by rainfall.

Meanwhile, in Balod district’s Dallirajhara region, hundreds of bats were reportedly found dead over the past few days amid extreme heat conditions. Local civic teams have started spraying water on trees in an attempt to create a cooler environment for surviving animals.

Why Weather Is Changing

According to the Meteorological Department, an upper air cyclonic circulation remains active over north Jharkhand and adjoining areas. Alongside this, a trough line stretching from Uttar Pradesh to Andhra Pradesh is influencing weather activity across central India.

Due to these systems, moisture-laden winds from the Bay of Bengal are entering Chhattisgarh. Meteorologists explained that when intense surface heating combines with incoming moisture, atmospheric instability increases rapidly, leading to thunderstorms, lightning, sudden winds and rainfall.

Heat Still Severe

Even with scattered rain activity, heat conditions continue in many districts. Several parts of the state are still experiencing hot daytime temperatures associated with Nautapa, the traditionally hottest phase before the monsoon.

Weather officials indicated that isolated rain and thunderstorm activity may continue over the next 48 hours, particularly in northern and central districts.

Public Advisory Issued

Officials have urged residents to avoid stepping outdoors during peak afternoon hours unless necessary. People have also been advised to stay hydrated and remain alert during thunderstorm activity.

The latest Chhattisgarh weather update comes at a time when pre-monsoon fluctuations are becoming more frequent across central India, with sudden storms offering brief respite from extreme summer heat.