Chhattisgarh's weather has done a dramatic U-turn in three days — and the worst is not over yet.

The India Meteorological Department has issued an orange alert for Chhattisgarh for March 20, warning of severe thunderstorms, hailstorms, lightning strikes and gusty winds reaching 40 to 50 kilometres per hour across the state over the next 24 hours. The alert comes after several parts of Chhattisgarh received heavy rainfall and hailstorms over the past three days, causing significant temperature drops and raising fears of crop damage across the rabi harvest belt.

What to Expect Today and Tomorrow

On March 20, multiple locations across Chhattisgarh are expected to experience strong gusty winds, thunder and lightning, hailstorms, and light to moderate rainfall. The orange alert signals conditions severe enough to disrupt daily life and endanger those in open areas.

On March 21, while the intensity is expected to ease slightly, the risk of light rainfall and lightning strikes will persist across several parts of the state. Citizens are advised to stay indoors during peak storm hours and avoid open fields, trees and elevated structures.

Raipur, the state capital, will see overcast skies through the day on March 20, with the possibility of light drizzle accompanied by thunder and lightning by evening. The maximum temperature in Raipur is expected to hover around 34°C and the minimum around 21°C — making it a humid and uncomfortable day even before the rain arrives.

Three Atmospheric Systems Driving the Storm

The current weather disruption is being driven simultaneously by three active meteorological systems, which is why the conditions are particularly intense.

A cyclonic circulation has formed over Madhya Pradesh, pulling moisture-laden winds inward from the surrounding region. A trough line extends from this MP cyclonic system all the way through Maharashtra's Marathwada and Vidarbha regions, running close to Chhattisgarh's western border and creating significant atmospheric instability. An upper-air cyclone over Andhra Pradesh at a height of 3.1 kilometres above coastal areas is actively pushing heavy moisture from the Bay of Bengal northward into Chhattisgarh.

The combined effect of all three systems is expected to be felt across Chhattisgarh over the next 24 to 48 hours — with central and southern Chhattisgarh, including Raipur, Durg and Bastar divisions, most significantly affected.

Why Are Hailstones Falling?

The science behind the current hailstorm activity is straightforward. When moisture rises rapidly due to these atmospheric systems, it encounters sub-zero temperatures at high altitude. Water droplets freeze into ice pellets. As more layers of ice accumulate under high atmospheric pressure, these pellets grow heavier and fall to the ground as hailstones. Areas near the Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh borders are particularly vulnerable to hail under the current weather configuration.

In the past 24 hours, Jagdalpur, Bakawand and Sakola in Bastar division have each recorded up to 1 cm of rainfall. Gariyaband and Dhamtari districts — including Magrarlod, Nagri and Kurud blocks — have already witnessed hailfall. Surguja's Udaipur and surrounding areas have also received heavy rain.

Temperature Snapshot — Durg Hottest, Jagdalpur Coolest

The highest maximum temperature recorded in Chhattisgarh in the past 24 hours was 36.4°C in Durg, making it the hottest city in the state. The lowest minimum temperature was 17.1°C in Jagdalpur, reflecting the cooling effect of rain and cloud cover in the Bastar region.

Rabi Crops in Danger — Farmers Must Act Now

The timing of this weather system is deeply concerning for Chhattisgarh's farming community. The rabi harvest season — particularly wheat and gram — is at its peak. Areas in Bastar and Durg divisions that receive 10 mm or more of rain face the risk of standing crops getting waterlogged and damaged. Hailstorms pose an even more direct threat, capable of flattening ready-to-harvest crops within minutes.

Horticultural crops are also at serious risk. Mango blossoms and pulse crops are particularly vulnerable to unseasonal rain and strong winds, which can cause flowers to fall prematurely and severely reduce yield. Farmers in affected zones are urged to harvest whatever is ready immediately and move stored produce under covered shelter.

Three Days of Relief — Then Scorching Heat Returns

The current weather system is expected to remain active for approximately three more days. Once it clears, temperatures will rise sharply by 3 to 5 degrees Celsius almost immediately. By the last week of March, several districts of Chhattisgarh are expected to see temperatures crossing the 40°C mark — a stark reminder that this storm is merely a brief pause before the brutal summer heat descends in full force.

Safety Advisory for Citizens

Stay indoors during thunderstorm and lightning hours. Do not stand under trees, near electric poles or in open fields during storms. If driving, pull over safely and wait for the storm to pass. Keep emergency supplies ready, especially in rural areas where power outages are common during storm events.