Monsoon activity has weakened across Chhattisgarh for now, with only light to moderate rainfall recorded in some parts of the state over the past 24 hours. The weather department has forecast more light to moderate showers in several areas on Sunday, accompanied by thunderstorms and the possibility of lightning at isolated places.
Despite the recent slowdown, the overall rainfall situation in Chhattisgarh remains close to normal. However, district-wise data shows a sharp variation, with some areas receiving substantially more rain than usual while others continue to face significant deficits.
According to rainfall figures cited in the latest weather assessment, Balrampur has received 75% more rainfall than normal, while Bemetara has recorded 39% less rainfall than its normal level.
Balrampur records highest rainfall
Balrampur has emerged as the wettest district in the state this monsoon. Between June 1 and September 3, the district recorded 1,433.1 mm of rainfall, against its normal rainfall of around 820 mm.
This represents an excess of approximately 75%, with the district receiving more than 600 mm above its normal rainfall during the period.
Other districts have also crossed the 1,000-mm mark, including Narayanpur, Bijapur, Sarangarh-Bilaigarh, Surajpur, Dantewada, Janjgir, Mahasamund, Mungeli, Raipur, Korba and Gariaband.
Bemetara faces biggest rainfall deficit
At the other end of the rainfall spectrum is Bemetara. The district received 536.7 mm of rainfall, compared with its normal figure of 881.3 mm.
That amounts to a 39% rainfall deficit, the highest among the districts listed in the latest assessment.
Surguja has recorded a 37% deficit, followed by Kanker at 36% and Jashpur at 33%.
The contrasting figures underline the uneven distribution of monsoon rainfall across Chhattisgarh despite the state's overall rainfall remaining close to normal.
Chhattisgarh rainfall remains 2% below normal
The state received an average of 944.7 mm of rainfall between June 1 and September 3, against a normal rainfall figure of 962.6 mm.
The shortfall stands at approximately 17.9 mm, or 2% below normal.
However, the state-wide average does not reflect the situation in individual districts. Seven districts have received 20% or more rainfall above normal, while four have recorded deficits exceeding 20%.
The remaining districts fall within the normal rainfall category.
Raipur receives 21% excess rainfall
The state capital has received more rain than normal this season. Raipur recorded 1,027.5 mm of rainfall, compared with a normal figure of 852 mm.
This puts the district at around 21% above normal rainfall for the season.
For Sunday, cloudy conditions are expected in Raipur, with the possibility of one or two spells of showers accompanied by thunder. The maximum temperature is likely to remain around 31°C, while the minimum temperature may be close to 24°C.
Jagdalpur hottest, Pendra Road coolest
Among the temperatures recorded on Friday, Jagdalpur was the hottest location in the state, with a maximum temperature of 31.2°C.
Pendra Road recorded the lowest minimum temperature at 21.6°C, making it the coolest among the locations mentioned in the weather assessment.
Rainfall pattern remains sharply uneven
The difference between Balrampur and Bemetara illustrates the uneven nature of this year's monsoon in Chhattisgarh.
While Balrampur has received around 75% more rain than normal, Bemetara has recorded a deficit of 39%. Sarangarh-Bilaigarh has also received 44% excess rainfall, while Mungeli has recorded 32% excess.
Raipur, Baloda Bazar and Narayanpur have each received more than 20% excess rainfall, while several districts in northern and central parts of the state continue to report below-normal rainfall.
More rain possible in coming days
The India Meteorological Department's latest outlook indicates that rainfall activity is expected to continue in Chhattisgarh, with thunderstorms and lightning possible in parts of the state. The IMD has also indicated the possibility of heavier rainfall in several areas later in the forecast period.
Residents are advised to remain cautious during thunderstorms and avoid open areas and isolated trees when lightning activity is occurring. The recent slowdown in rainfall therefore appears to be a temporary phase rather than an end to monsoon activity across the state.
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