Chhattisgarh is likely to see an increase in rainfall activity over the next 48 hours, with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) warning of heavy to very heavy rainfall in parts of the state. North and central Chhattisgarh are expected to receive the most intense showers, with isolated areas potentially recording extremely heavy rainfall.

The weather system is also expected to bring some relief from the prevailing temperatures. The maximum temperature may fall by 2 to 4 degrees Celsius over the next two days.

Depression to Intensify Rainfall

According to the weather department, a low-pressure area that had formed over coastal West Bengal and adjoining Bangladesh has strengthened into a depression.

The system is moving west-northwestwards and is expected to move towards Gangetic West Bengal and Jharkhand during the next 24 hours. Its movement is likely to increase rainfall activity across Chhattisgarh.

The state is expected to remain under the influence of the active monsoon system for the next three days, after which rainfall activity may gradually ease.

Rain, Thunderstorms in Raipur

The state capital Raipur is likely to remain cloudy on August 14, with intermittent rain and thundershowers expected at some places.

The maximum temperature in the city is likely to remain around 28°C, while the minimum temperature may settle near 25°C.

During the previous 24 hours, Durg recorded the highest maximum temperature at 32.8°C, while Pendra Road recorded the lowest minimum temperature at 23.6°C.

What Is a Wind Shear Zone?

A wind shear zone refers to an area of the atmosphere where wind speed or direction changes significantly with altitude.

Such variations can make the atmosphere unstable and support the development of clouds and thunderstorms. When combined with an active monsoon system, a shear zone can contribute to increased rainfall activity across affected areas.

Chhattisgarh Rainfall Near Normal

Despite variations between districts, the overall rainfall situation in Chhattisgarh remains within the normal category.

Between June 1 and August 13, the state received 668.8 mm of rainfall, against the normal average of 734.4 mm for the period.

This represents a rainfall deficit of 65.6 mm, or around 9 per cent. However, the state's overall seasonal rainfall continues to remain within the normal range according to the available weather data.

Narayanpur Records Highest Rainfall

Among the districts, Narayanpur has recorded the highest rainfall so far this monsoon season, receiving 1,043.9 mm against its normal rainfall of 780.7 mm.

This is around 34 per cent above normal.

Other districts that have received substantial rainfall include Sarangarh-Bilaigarh with 948.2 mm, Bijapur with 870.6 mm, Janjgir with 857.3 mm and Mahasamund with 835.6 mm.

Sarangarh-Bilaigarh Gets 59% More Rain

Sarangarh-Bilaigarh has recorded the highest increase over its normal rainfall figure. The district has received 948.2 mm, compared with its normal rainfall of 598.2 mm, making the rainfall 59 per cent above normal.

Narayanpur has recorded 34 per cent excess rainfall, followed by Mungeli at 32 per cent, Balodabazar at 28 per cent, Mahasamund at 26 per cent and Janjgir at 24 per cent.

Surguja Faces 51% Rainfall Deficit

Several districts, however, continue to face significant rainfall shortages. Surguja has recorded the highest deficit at 51 per cent.

The district received 379.6 mm of rainfall against the normal figure of 773.2 mm. Jashpur has recorded a 45 per cent deficit, followed by Bemetara at 40 per cent and Kanker at 35 per cent.

Surajpur has a 22 per cent deficit, while Bastar and Kabirdham have recorded deficits of 21 per cent each.

Raipur Receives 13% Excess Rainfall

Raipur has received above-normal rainfall during the current monsoon season. As of August 13, the city had recorded 727.8 mm of rainfall, compared with the normal figure of 641.9 mm.

This means Raipur has received 85.9 mm, or 13 per cent, more rainfall than normal.

Of the state's 33 districts, 20 are currently in the normal rainfall category, while six have received above-normal rainfall and seven remain below normal.

With heavy rainfall expected over the next 48 hours, residents in northern and central parts of Chhattisgarh should remain alert to local weather warnings, particularly in areas vulnerable to waterlogging and flash flooding.