Monsoon expected to enter via Bastar within days

The weather across Chhattisgarh has taken a decisive turn. The meteorological department has issued an alert for the next five days, warning of thunderstorms, lightning, and gusty winds reaching speeds of 40 to 50 kilometres per hour in several parts of the state.

Officials said Sunday that southwest monsoon is likely to enter through the Bastar division within the next 96 to 120 hours. South Chhattisgarh typically receives monsoon earlier than the northern districts, and this year appears to be following the same pattern.

Orange and yellow alerts issued

The weather department has sounded an orange and yellow alert for Sunday. Winds picking up at high speed accompanied by lightning remain the primary concern. "People in affected areas should stay indoors during peak afternoon and evening hours," an official advisory noted.

Locals in Bilaspur witnessed sudden showers on Sunday afternoon. The sky turned overcast within minutes. Similar conditions are expected to repeat over the coming week.

Mungeli records highest rainfall

The past 24 hours have seen scattered activity across south and central Chhattisgarh. Mungeli recorded the state's highest rainfall at 50 millimetres. Kabirdham followed with 10 millimetres.

Northern districts experienced a drop in maximum temperatures by 1 to 2 degrees Celsius due to the rain and cloud cover. However, central regions including Raipur and Durg saw temperatures rise by 1 to 2 degrees. The variation suggests a weather system that remains unstable and dynamic.

Raipur likely to see dust storm

Raipur woke up to cloudy skies on Sunday morning. The Met department predicts thunder showers accompanied by a dust storm later in the day. Maximum temperature in the capital is expected to hover around 40 degrees Celsius, while the minimum may settle near 28 degrees.

Commuters in the city have been advised to exercise caution. Dust storms in this region often reduce visibility suddenly, and gusty winds can bring down hoardings or tree branches.

What to expect in coming days

Over the next five days, pre-monsoon activity is likely to intensify. Districts in Bastar including Jagdalpur, Sukma, and Dantewada may see the first monsoon showers by Thursday or Friday if current wind patterns hold.

For the rest of the state, the weather department has predicted continued thunderstorm activity with wind speeds touching 50 kmph at isolated places. Farmers have been advised to postpone any open-field operations during peak thunderstorm hours.

The change in weather has brought some relief from the summer heat. But officials also warn that lightning strikes remain a genuine risk. At least three districts have reported lightning-related incidents over the past week, though no fresh casualties have been confirmed in the last 24 hours.

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.