The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast a fresh spell of monsoon activity across Chhattisgarh from August 4, with rainfall expected to intensify over the next three days. The weather department has predicted light to moderate rain in most parts of the state, while warning that some districts could experience heavy rainfall, thunderstorms and lightning.

The renewed monsoon activity comes after a relatively subdued spell of rain in recent days. According to the IMD, Chhattisgarh has received 566.5 mm of rainfall between June 1 and August 2, against the normal average of 594.6 mm, leaving the state with a 5% rainfall deficit, which continues to remain within the 'normal' category.

Heavy Rain Likely in Isolated Areas

Meteorologists said rainfall activity is expected to increase across the state beginning Tuesday as monsoon conditions become favourable once again.

The IMD has forecast light to moderate rainfall in most districts over the next 48 to 72 hours, with isolated locations likely to witness heavy showers accompanied by thunderstorms and lightning. Residents have been advised to remain cautious during periods of intense weather, particularly in lightning-prone areas.

Raipur to Witness Cloudy Weather

For the state capital, the weather department has predicted cloudy skies with intermittent rain and thunderstorms throughout Tuesday.

The maximum temperature in Raipur is expected to remain around 33°C, while the minimum temperature is likely to settle near 26°C.

Several parts of the city received light rainfall on Monday night ahead of the anticipated revival of monsoon activity.

Rainfall Distribution Remains Uneven

Although the overall rainfall deficit in Chhattisgarh stands at only 5%, district-wise data shows considerable variation in precipitation levels.

Narayanpur has recorded the highest rainfall in the state so far with 997.8 mm, about 61% above normal. Other districts reporting significantly above-normal rainfall include Sarangarh-Bilaigarh, Janjgir-Champa, Mahasamund, Gariaband, Balod, Raipur and Baloda Bazar.

On the other hand, Surguja has recorded the highest rainfall deficit at 53% below normal, followed by Jashpur (-48%), Bemetara (-40%), Kanker (-24%), Manendragarh-Chirmiri-Bharatpur (-24%) and Surajpur (-21%).

Most of the remaining districts continue to fall within the normal rainfall category.

Temperature Update

According to the IMD, Rajnandgaon recorded the state's highest maximum temperature at 34.7°C, while Pendra Roadreported the lowest minimum temperature at 23.6°C during the past 24 hours.

The expected increase in rainfall is likely to bring temperatures down in several regions over the coming days.

August Crucial for Kharif Crops

Weather experts say August is a critical month for kharif cultivation, particularly paddy, which is the state's principal crop.

With rainfall nearly returning to normal levels by the end of July, continued precipitation during August is expected to improve soil moisture and benefit agricultural activities across the state.

While the IMD has not issued a separate monthly forecast exclusively for Chhattisgarh, its outlook for central India indicates the possibility of normal to above-normal rainfall in several parts of the region during August.

IMD Climate Outlook

The weather department has indicated that:

• Rainfall across the country during August and the August-September period may remain below the long-term average.

• Parts of central India are likely to receive normal to above-normal rainfall.

• El Niño conditions are showing signs of strengthening.

• The Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD) currently remains neutral but could turn positive during September, which may influence rainfall patterns later in the monsoon season.