After remaining subdued for nearly 10 days, the southwest monsoon has become fully active across Chhattisgarh, bringing widespread rainfall and triggering weather-related incidents in several districts. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast moderate to heavy rainfall in many parts of the state over the next week, with a warning of thunderstorms and lightning, particularly across south Chhattisgarh.

According to the weather department, the monsoon covered the entire state by June 30. On Thursday, heavy rain accompanied by thunderstorms is expected at isolated places in southern districts, while rainfall activity is likely to continue across other regions as well.

In the past 24 hours, light to moderate rainfall was recorded in several districts. However, continuous rain over the last two days caused waterlogging in several areas of Surguja district, including parts of Ambikapur's Gandhinagar locality, disrupting normal life.

One of the most significant weather-related incidents occurred in Ambikapur, where lightning struck a truck parked along the roadside. The impact triggered a fire, completely destroying the vehicle. Fortunately, no casualties were reported in the incident.

In a separate incident in Korba district's Rampur area, lightning struck a tamarind tree, killing six Siberian birds that had taken shelter on its branches. Wildlife officials are expected to examine the incident as part of routine documentation.

Another lightning-related tragedy was reported from Koter village in Gangaloor tehsil of Bijapur district, where nine goats died after being struck during adverse weather conditions.

Despite the revival of the monsoon, Chhattisgarh continues to face a significant rainfall deficit this season. According to IMD data, the state had received only 66.2 mm of rainfall until July 1 against the normal average of 188 mm expected by June 30.

This represents a rainfall deficiency of approximately 60 percent, with nearly 121.8 mm less rainfall than normal during the period. Meteorologists, however, remain optimistic that the active monsoon phase over the coming days will help bridge much of this deficit.

The weather office has advised residents to remain cautious during thunderstorms and avoid taking shelter under isolated trees or staying in open areas when lightning activity is reported.

Raipur Weather Forecast

For Raipur, the IMD has predicted cloudy skies throughout Thursday with intermittent rainfall, thunderstorms and the possibility of lightning. The maximum temperature is expected to remain around 32°C, while the minimum temperature is likely to be 26°C.

With the monsoon now active across the entire state, authorities are closely monitoring rainfall patterns and issuing regular advisories as weather conditions continue to evolve.