Chhattisgarh remained under a rain alert on Monday, with the weather department forecasting light to moderate rainfall across most parts of the state over the next 24 hours. Several areas may receive heavy to extremely heavy rain accompanied by thunderstorms and lightning.

Amid the continuing downpour, a tragic incident was reported from Mainpat in Surguja district, where a young man and woman from Raipur were swept away in the strong current of the Ghungutta River while travelling on a motorcycle. The woman was rescued after a local resident reached the spot with a rope, while the man was later found dead.

The incident took place in the Kamleshwarpur police station area. According to preliminary information, the couple had travelled from Raipur to Mainpat for a visit. They were swept away after encountering the swollen river and its strong current.

A person who heard their cries rushed towards the river with a rope. By then, the woman had reportedly been carried nearly a kilometre downstream. He managed to throw the rope towards her and helped pull her to safety. The man, however, was swept further away.

His body was recovered from the riverbank around three kilometres from the spot on Sunday morning.

The incident comes as several rivers, streams and drainage channels across Chhattisgarh are witnessing increased water levels following persistent rainfall. Authorities have urged people to avoid entering or approaching swollen rivers and streams, particularly during periods of strong currents.

Waterlogging and road disruptions in Korba

Heavy rain has also affected parts of Korba. The Dadar Nala in the city was flowing at a high level on Saturday morning when a Scorpio attempting to cross the water was swept into the strong current. Three people travelling in the vehicle managed to get out safely. The vehicle was subsequently recovered.

In another incident, debris from the SECL Kusmunda dumping area flowed onto the Kanki-Sarvamangala main road, covering the stretch with mud and sludge. A car and a passenger bus became stuck in the debris. While the car was almost completely submerged in the mud, the bus remained trapped with its wheels stuck.

No casualties were reported in the incident.

Several residential areas of Korba also witnessed waterlogging, with water entering homes and shops in some localities. More than a dozen houses in the Sharda Vihar Atal Awas area were reportedly affected.

Modamsilli dam gate opens automatically

In Dhamtari district, the gates of the Modamsilli dam opened following a rise in the water level caused by continuous rainfall.

The dam, known for its automatic siphon system, had reached around 98.82% of its capacity. Its gates are designed to open automatically once the water level reaches full capacity.

With water levels rising in several parts of the state, authorities have appealed to residents to stay away from rivers, streams and other water bodies.

Rain likely to continue for two more days

The weather department has forecast light to moderate rainfall across most parts of Chhattisgarh over the next two days. Some areas may experience heavy rainfall along with thunderstorms and lightning.

Raipur witnessed rainfall throughout Sunday, with showers continuing intermittently on Monday morning. The city is expected to record a maximum temperature of around 24°C and a minimum of about 22°C.

During the previous 24 hours, Bilaspur recorded the state's highest maximum temperature at 28.6°C, while Jagdalpur recorded the lowest minimum temperature at 21.4°C.

The continuing rainfall has raised concerns over waterlogging, swollen rivers and road connectivity in several districts. Authorities have advised residents to exercise caution and avoid unnecessary travel through areas affected by flooding or strong water currents.

 Madhya Pradesh is likely to witness another spell of heavy rainfall on Saturday, with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) issuing alerts for 21 districts, including Jabalpur, Shahdol and Sagar. Several parts of the state could receive 4 to 8 inches of rain over the next 24 hours as a strong weather system remains active over eastern Madhya Pradesh.

According to the IMD Bhopal, the system is expected to have its strongest impact over the eastern parts of the state. Heavy rainfall is likely to continue for the next four days, particularly across the Jabalpur, Rewa, Sagar and Shahdol divisions.

Heavy Rain Alert

Three districts — Narmadapuram, Chhatarpur and Umaria — are likely to receive very heavy rainfall on Saturday.

Heavy rain has also been forecast for Jabalpur, Sagar, Raisen, Narsinghpur, Chhindwara, Seoni, Balaghat, Mandla, Dindori, Anuppur, Shahdol, Katni, Panna, Tikamgarh, Rewa, Mauganj, Sidhi and Singrauli.

Several other districts, including Bhopal, Sehore, Rajgarh, Vidisha, Indore, Dhar, Alirajpur, Burhanpur, Barwani, Khandwa, Khargone, Jhabua, Ujjain, Neemuch, Agar-Malwa, Mandsaur, Shajapur, Dewas, Ratlam, Betul, Harda, Gwalior, Shivpuri, Datia, Morena, Bhind, Sheopur, Satna, Maihar, Damoh and Niwari, may also receive rain ranging from light to intense spells.

Strong System Over East MP

Weather expert Shailendra Kumar Naik said a low-pressure area that developed over the Bay of Bengal has intensified into a depression. Its impact is expected to remain strongest over eastern Madhya Pradesh, resulting in heavy rainfall across several districts.

The eastern divisions have already experienced uneven rainfall during the monsoon season. Despite recent spells of intense rain, several districts continue to record below-normal rainfall.

Waterlogging and Overflow

Heavy rain has already created problems in parts of the state.

In Khargone's Gogawan area, continuous rainfall caused the Satak reservoir to overflow. The reservoir has a capacity of around 18.38 million cubic metres and overflowed after two years.

In Satna, intermittent rain affected rural areas, particularly the low-lying and hilly regions. Water from the hills has increased the flow of the waterfall near Dharkundi Ashram, with water entering parts of the premises.

Waterlogging was also reported at the Kotor Nagar Parishad office and nearby shops. Water entered a ward of the community health centre, following which pregnant women were referred to the district hospital.

On the Birsinghpur-Semariya road, the Mau river was reported to be flowing over the bridge, raising concerns for commuters.

Rainfall Deficit Persists

According to the IMD, 12 districts have so far recorded rainfall above their average levels, including Bhopal, Guna, Sehore, Rajgarh, Gwalior, Anuppur, Bhind, Burhanpur, Dewas, Barwani, Khandwa and Khargone.

However, 43 districts continue to record deficient rainfall.

Jabalpur, Rewa, Sagar and Shahdol divisions have recorded rainfall deficits of up to 19 per cent. Several districts in eastern MP, including Balaghat, Chhatarpur, Chhindwara, Damoh, Dindori, Jabalpur, Katni, Mandla, Panna, Rewa, Sagar, Satna, Seoni, Shahdol, Sidhi, Singrauli, Tikamgarh and Umaria, have recorded deficits ranging from 2 to 54 per cent.

Parts of western Madhya Pradesh have also received less rainfall than normal.

Monsoon Pattern This Season

The state recorded 14 per cent below-normal rainfall in June. Rainfall improved during the early part of July, but the monsoon subsequently entered two periods of weaker activity.

A strong weather system became active again towards the end of the period, bringing widespread rain. While July's rainfall quota was eventually met, the deficit accumulated during June has not been completely recovered.

Madhya Pradesh receives around 37.3 inches of normal annual rainfall, although the average varies significantly between districts.

Historic August Rainfall Records

August is traditionally an important rainfall month for several major cities in Madhya Pradesh.

Bhopal recorded around 35 inches of rainfall in August 2006, its highest monthly August total. The city received nearly 12 inches in 24 hours on August 14 that year.

Indore recorded around 28 inches of rainfall in August 1944, while its highest 24-hour August rainfall was around 10.5 inches on August 22, 2020.

Gwalior recorded around 8.5 inches in 24 hours on August 10, 1927. Its highest monthly August rainfall was around 28 inches in 1916.

Jabalpur recorded around 44 inches of rainfall in August 1923. On August 20 that year, the city received nearly 13 inches of rain within 24 hours.

Ujjain recorded around 35 inches of rainfall in August 2006, including approximately 12 inches in 24 hours.

With the strong weather system currently active, authorities and residents in vulnerable districts are likely to remain watchful over the next several days, particularly in areas prone to flooding, waterlogging and river overflow.

BHOPAL: The monsoon has picked up pace again across Madhya Pradesh with the beginning of the Shravan month, and the next 48 hours could bring intense rainfall to several parts of the state. Three weather systems are currently active, prompting the weather department to issue warnings for heavy to very heavy rain, particularly across western and central Madhya Pradesh. Indore and Ujjain divisions are expected to remain among the most affected areas on Friday and Saturday. According to weather officials, moisture is continuously entering the state from the Arabian Sea and the Bay of Bengal due to the active systems, creating favourable conditions for widespread rainfall. Several districts witnessed good rain on the first day of Shravan itself, including Indore, Ujjain, Dhar, Ratlam, Jhabua, Betul and Bhopal. Waterlogging was reported from some places following continuous showers. In Betul district, the rain also turned fatal when a railway boundary wall collapsed on a hut, killing a young man. Local authorities reached the spot and started relief operations. With more rain expected, people have been advised to stay away from dilapidated structures, kutcha houses and overflowing rivers and drains.

The weather department has issued a very heavy rainfall alert for Ratlam, Jhabua, Alirajpur and Dhar districts. Heavy rain is also expected in Neemuch, Agar Malwa, Ujjain, Dewas, Barwani, Khargone, Burhanpur and Chhindwara. Bhopal, Vidisha, Raisen and nearby areas are also likely to receive intermittent showers. Officials have warned that some places could receive a large amount of rainfall within a short period, increasing the possibility of overflowing streams and waterlogging in low-lying areas. Residents in vulnerable locations have been asked to remain particularly cautious and avoid unnecessary travel during spells of intense rain. The administration has also advised people to keep track of weather warnings and follow instructions issued by local authorities. For farmers, the fresh spell could provide much-needed moisture for kharif crops, although excessive rainfall could create another problem if water remains accumulated in fields for long periods. The situation will therefore depend on how intense and concentrated the rain becomes over the next two days.

Madhya Pradesh has so far received an average of around 14.7 inches of rainfall during the current monsoon season, which is approximately 2.5 inches below the normal average, according to the figures provided. As many as 47 districts have recorded below-normal rainfall so far, though the picture is different in some parts of the state. Bhopal, Indore, Burhanpur, Bhind, Dewas, Mandsaur, Sehore and Rajgarh have already received above-normal rainfall. With the Madhya Pradesh monsoon systems remaining active, the weather department expects the rainfall deficit to reduce if the current spell continues in the coming days. Meanwhile, persistent showers have begun affecting normal life in several cities. Roads have turned slippery, traffic has slowed at some locations and movement on kutcha roads in rural areas has become difficult. Heavy rain could also affect electricity and drinking water arrangements in vulnerable locations. Concerned departments have been kept on alert so that emergency situations can be handled quickly. District-level control rooms and disaster management teams have also been asked to remain prepared as the state enters another active phase of the monsoon.

Heavy rain continued to batter several parts of India on Thursday, triggering landslides, river erosion and disruptions to road and pilgrimage routes, while the weather department issued an orange alert for rain in 16 states, including Rajasthan. Uttarakhand was among the worst-affected states in the morning, with landslides reported from Rudraprayag, Chamoli and Uttarkashi districts. A landslide near Gaurikund forced authorities to close the Kedarnath trekking route, and pilgrims were stopped from proceeding further as a precaution. In Rudraprayag, debris near Silli disrupted traffic on the highway for some time. In another incident, boulders rolled down a hillside near a petrol pump and crushed a car. Haridwar also witnessed a close call when a Kanwar pilgrim was swept away by the strong current of the Ganga while collecting holy water. An SDRF team deployed at the ghat responded quickly and rescued the man before he was carried further downstream.

The situation remained worrying in parts of Uttar Pradesh, where swollen rivers and erosion have started affecting villages. In Ballia, erosion along the Saryu river intensified as water entered residential areas. More than 100 families have reportedly left their homes and shifted to safer places. Two houses were swept into the river, while the land underneath several other homes has already been washed away, leaving residents worried about further damage. A similar situation was reported from Gonda, where the falling water level of the Ghaghra river has led to increased erosion along its banks. Several bighas of land and trees have been swallowed by the river. With the monsoon remaining active, people living close to riverbanks are facing an uncertain situation as changing water levels continue to weaken the surrounding land. Authorities are keeping watch on vulnerable areas, while residents in affected villages are moving belongings and family members away from locations considered unsafe.

Heavy rainfall has also caused disruption in Jammu and Kashmir. In Rajouri, a wall of a government primary school building collapsed following intense rain. No casualty was mentioned in the initial information. Meanwhile, a landslide near Akchamal blocked the Kargil-Leh National Highway, forcing authorities to stop vehicular movement on the route. The developments in Jammu and Kashmir and Uttarakhand come as widespread rainfall continues across several regions of the country. The orange alert covering 16 states indicates the possibility of spells of heavy to very heavy rain in vulnerable areas. For the moment, the biggest concern remains mountainous regions where saturated slopes can trigger sudden landslides and falling rocks, while riverbank areas in the plains are dealing with flooding and erosion. The closure of the Kedarnath route has also directly affected pilgrims, who will have to wait for conditions to improve and the track to be declared safe before their journey resumes. With rainfall continuing, travellers and residents in affected areas are being advised to remain cautious, particularly around landslide-prone roads, swollen rivers and fast-flowing streams.

 Heavy monsoon rains continued to wreak havoc across several parts of India on Monday, claiming lives, triggering landslides, disrupting transport networks and prompting authorities to issue weather alerts in multiple states. Maharashtra remained the worst-affected, with at least 13 people reported dead over the past three to four days due to rain-related incidents.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has placed Mumbai and surrounding regions under a Red Alert, forecasting extremely heavy rainfall accompanied by wind speeds of up to 80–90 kmph. Authorities have advised residents to leave their homes only if absolutely necessary, while private offices have been asked to implement work-from-home arrangements.

The Maharashtra Assembly was adjourned for the day because of the severe weather conditions. Speaker Rahul Narwekar said the decision was taken in view of the widespread disruption caused by heavy rainfall across Mumbai and other parts of the state.

Mumbai, Pune Hit by Landslides and Flooding

Continuous rainfall over the past three days triggered two landslides in the Bhor Ghat section between Karjat and Lonavala on the Mumbai–Pune railway route, disrupting operations on all three railway lines and leading to the cancellation of around 20 trains.

Heavy rain also caused a landslide and waterlogging along the Mumbai–Pune Expressway, temporarily affecting traffic before the route was later reopened after clearance operations.

In Pune district, a landslide in Patan village of Maval tehsil buried several houses. Officials confirmed that one person was killed, while 23 people were rescued. Search and rescue teams continued operations to locate two individuals reported missing beneath the debris.

In another incident in Pune, the boundary wall of a residential society collapsed onto a parking shed, damaging around 14 vehicles.

Mumbai Airport Operations Affected

Persistent rainfall also disrupted air travel. According to airport officials, 17 flights were cancelled and 217 flights delayed at Mumbai's Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport by Monday afternoon, causing inconvenience to passengers.

The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) declared a holiday for schools and colleges and deployed nearly 15,000 officials and emergency personnel to manage rain-related emergencies.

Landslide in Jammu and Kashmir

Heavy rainfall also triggered a landslide in Kishtwar district of Jammu and Kashmir, where debris buried six to seven vehicles on the Kishtwar–Doda Highway (NH-244). Road clearance operations are underway, while authorities continue to assess the damage.

Flood Situation Worsens Elsewhere

In Gujarat, continuous rainfall caused the Khodiyar Dam in Amreli district to overflow, forcing officials to open two gates and issue a high alert for more than 35 low-lying villages.

Floodwaters also disrupted connectivity in several villages of Una, while National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams have been deployed for rescue and relief operations across affected areas.

In Madhya Pradesh's Dindori district, rising water levels submerged a bridge over the Turad River, while heavy rainfall caused widespread waterlogging in parts of Haryana, Uttarakhand, Chhattisgarh and West Bengal.

IMD Issues Multi-State Rain Alerts

The IMD has warned that the active monsoon system will continue to bring widespread rainfall over the next two days.

A depression currently centred over south Jharkhand and adjoining north Odisha is expected to move northwestward, bringing heavy rainfall to Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh and Odisha. Red alerts remain in place for several districts of Odisha and West Bengal, while heavy rain warnings have also been issued for parts of Uttar Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, Assam, Meghalaya, Sikkim, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Goa and Karnataka.

Authorities across affected states have urged residents to remain alert, avoid waterlogged and landslide-prone areas, and follow official advisories as emergency teams continue rescue, relief and restoration efforts.

Continuous rainfall across Chhattisgarh has claimed three lives in separate weather-related incidents, even as the India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecast widespread rainfall across the state over the next four days. Two young sisters were killed after the wall of an old mud house collapsed in Bemetara district, while an 18-year-old youth lost his life in a lightning strike in Sukma.

According to the Meteorological Centre, the southwest monsoon is advancing steadily and is expected to cover the remaining parts of Chhattisgarh within the next two to three days. Heavy rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms and lightning is likely in several districts during this period.

The most tragic incident occurred in Raurpur village of Bemetara district, where an old mud wall collapsed following overnight rainfall. The wall fell on two sisters, Vanshika Kosle (12) and Radhika Kosle (9), who were playing in the courtyard of their house on Sunday morning. Both girls sustained severe head injuries and were rushed for medical assistance, but doctors declared them dead. A woman was also injured in the accident.

Family members said the house owner, Chandraprakash Kosle, had recently shifted to a newly constructed home. However, the old mud structure had not been demolished, and continuous rainfall weakened the wall, eventually leading to the fatal collapse.

In another weather-related tragedy, lightning struck a group of young men in Kukanar village of Sukma district. The victims had reportedly taken shelter under a tamarind tree after finishing work in the fields when a thunderstorm developed on Sunday afternoon.

The lightning strike injured five people. Eighteen-year-old Ajay Nag succumbed to his injuries while being taken to hospital, while the remaining four victims are undergoing treatment. Local authorities have appealed to residents to avoid taking shelter beneath trees or remaining in open fields during thunderstorms.

The IMD has forecast light to moderate rainfall across most parts of Chhattisgarh on Monday, with isolated areas likely to witness heavy showers accompanied by thunder and lightning. In Raipur, cloudy skies and intermittent rainfall are expected, with temperatures likely to range between 27°C and 38°C.

The monsoon has already covered more than 18 districts, including Raipur, Durg, Dhamtari, Gariaband, Mahasamund, Balodabazar, Bemetara, Kabirdham, Rajnandgaon, Kanker, Kondagaon, Narayanpur, Bastar, Dantewada, Sukma and Bijapur. The remaining districts, including Bilaspur, Korba, Jashpur, Surguja, Janjgir-Champa, Raigarh and Mungeli, are expected to receive the official monsoon onset within the next 48 hours.

Despite the arrival of monsoon, rainfall across the state continues to remain significantly below normal. Rajnandgaon has recorded one of the sharpest deficits, receiving only 8.3 mm of rainfall against the seasonal normal of 100.3 mm, representing a 92 percent shortfall. Mohla-Manpur-Ambagarh Chowki has reported a 95 percent rainfall deficit, while Balodabazar and Sakti have recorded deficits exceeding 80 percent.

Central Chhattisgarh remains among the worst-affected regions in terms of rainfall deficiency. Raipur has received only 25.3 mm against the normal 90.1 mm, while Durg, Dhamtari and Mahasamund have also recorded substantially below-normal precipitation.

The weather department has advised residents to remain alert during thunderstorms, avoid unsafe structures, and strictly follow lightning safety guidelines as rainfall activity intensifies across the state over the coming days.

An 11-year-old girl died after being struck by lightning in Sakti district, while the weather department has issued a two-day alert for thunderstorms and lightning across several parts of Chhattisgarh.

 A Class 6 student was killed after being struck by lightning in Chhattisgarh's Sakti district amid widespread thunderstorm activity across the state. The incident occurred on Friday evening in Gram Anda, where the child was reportedly playing outside her house when the lightning strike took place.

The deceased has been identified as Deepti Chandra, 11. According to local reports, the lightning struck suddenly during adverse weather conditions, leading to her death on the spot. The incident has cast a shadow over the village as residents continue to cope with unstable weather across the region.

The tragedy comes at a time when the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has warned of thunderstorms, lightning and gusty winds in different parts of the state over the next two days.

Weather Alert Issued

The weather department has forecast continued thunderstorm activity across several districts of Chhattisgarh. Officials have advised residents to remain cautious, especially during periods of lightning and strong winds.

Meteorologists say changing atmospheric conditions are likely to trigger scattered rainfall accompanied by thunder and lightning in many areas through the weekend.

Authorities have urged people to avoid open fields, isolated trees and exposed locations during thunderstorms.

Storm Activity Across State

Over the past 24 hours, weather conditions remained active across all divisions of Chhattisgarh.

Many districts witnessed thunderstorms, strong winds and intermittent rainfall. The weather activity provided some relief from heat in several places but also increased the risk of lightning-related incidents and structural damage.

In recent days, rain and storm-related incidents have been reported from different districts, highlighting the impact of the changing weather pattern.

Temperatures Remain High

Despite rainfall in many areas, temperatures continue to remain relatively high across parts of the state.

Raipur recorded the highest maximum temperature in Chhattisgarh at 37 degrees Celsius during the last 24 hours. Ambikapur reported the lowest minimum temperature at 22.7 degrees Celsius.

Weather experts say fluctuations in temperature and humidity levels are contributing to the formation of thunderclouds and localised storm activity.

Previous Rain-Related Incidents

The latest lightning fatality follows other weather-related incidents reported this week.

In Raigarh district, a woman lost her life and two others were injured after a wall collapsed during heavy rain and storm conditions. Local authorities have been monitoring vulnerable areas as rainfall activity intensifies in parts of the state.

Officials have appealed to residents to remain alert and follow safety advisories issued by district administrations and disaster management agencies.

Rain Likely in Raipur

The weather department has predicted cloudy conditions and spells of rain accompanied by thunder and lightning in Raipur on Saturday.

The state capital is expected to record a maximum temperature of around 38 degrees Celsius and a minimum temperature of approximately 28 degrees Celsius.

Meteorologists say weather conditions are likely to remain favourable for scattered showers across central and northern districts of Chhattisgarh over the next couple of days.

Safety Advisory

Disaster management officials have reiterated that lightning poses a serious risk during the monsoon and pre-monsoon period. Residents have been advised to immediately move indoors when thunder is heard and avoid using electrical appliances during storms.

With lightning alerts remaining in force across multiple districts, authorities are closely monitoring the situation and have urged citizens to stay updated through official weather bulletins.

The death of the young student in Sakti serves as a reminder of the dangers associated with severe weather as Chhattisgarh enters a period of heightened thunderstorm activity.

Despite the current slowdown, meteorologists remain optimistic that conditions could become favorable for the monsoon to advance again within the next 4–5 days, with progress likely resuming between June 21 and June 23.

Third Consecutive Year of June Slowdown

The western branch of the monsoon has faced interruptions in recent years as well. In 2024, its advance slowed for about 8–9 days during the second week of June. In 2025, it remained nearly stationary along the Maharashtra coast for almost three weeks.

Weather experts note that such pauses do not necessarily indicate a weak monsoon season. Instead, rainfall often becomes concentrated into fewer days, resulting in more intense downpours when weather systems become active.

Why Has the Monsoon Stalled?

Meteorologists attribute the slowdown primarily to the delayed activation of the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ), a crucial weather system that normally shifts northward by mid-June and helps draw moisture-laden winds toward India.

Satellite observations from the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) also suggest that El Niño conditions are beginning to develop, which can lead to prolonged dry spells and uneven rainfall distribution across the country.

While thunderstorm activity remains active over eastern India, cloud cover has been relatively weak across Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Maharashtra, and parts of western India, slowing the monsoon's progress.

Monsoon Progress So Far

After arriving in Kerala on June 4, the southwest monsoon advanced rapidly through 19 states within 14 days. However, it has remained stalled near Bhadrachalam in Telangana for the past week.

As a result, monsoon rains have been delayed in several regions, including Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Maharashtra, and parts of central India, where farmers are eagerly awaiting widespread rainfall for sowing activities.

Pre-Monsoon Activity Continues

Even as the monsoon remains stalled, pre-monsoon showers have been reported in several states, including:

• Madhya Pradesh
• Uttar Pradesh
• Bihar
• Rajasthan
• Himachal Pradesh
• Chhattisgarh

Heavy rainfall affected parts of Bihar on Wednesday, while strong winds caused localized damage in Rajasthan, including uprooted trees and collapsed structures in Jaipur and Udaipur.

Heatwave Conditions Persist

The delayed monsoon has allowed heatwave conditions to continue across large parts of the country. Temperatures exceeded 40°C in several cities across:

• Uttar Pradesh
• Madhya Pradesh
• Bihar
• Jharkhand
• Odisha
• Telangana
• Andhra Pradesh
• Maharashtra

The highest temperature recorded in the country was 45°C in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh.

Rainfall Forecast

June 19

• Rain likely over Bihar, Jharkhand, Odisha, West Bengal and Sikkim.
• Heavy rainfall expected in parts of Assam, Meghalaya, Arunachal Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and Karnataka.
• Thunderstorms and gusty winds likely in Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh.

June 20

• Heavy rain expected in Sikkim, North Bengal, Assam and Meghalaya.
• Thunderstorms with strong winds likely in Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh.
• Rainfall activity may continue in Maharashtra, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Puducherry.

When Will the Monsoon Advance Again?

According to IMD, the current pause is linked to upper-atmospheric jet stream patterns, which are influencing the movement of monsoon clouds. Once these fast-moving winds weaken, monsoon currents are expected to strengthen and advance into Maharashtra, Karnataka, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, and adjoining regions.

Weather experts expect the next significant phase of monsoon advancement to begin by the third week of June, bringing relief from intense heat and improving conditions for agriculture across much of India.

Weather department warns of increased thunderstorm, gusty winds and rain from June 11; Raipur, Durg and Bilaspur saw evening showers.

Monsoon arrival expected
Chhattisgarh is likely to receive the south‑west monsoon in parts of the state within the next three to four days, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) said on Thursday. According to officials, conditions have become favourable for the monsoon’s progress, and residents should expect a marked increase in thunderstorm, rain and strong wind activity from June 11.

Evening showers, relief from heat
On Wednesday evening several districts—including Raipur, Durg and Bilaspur—saw sudden gusty winds followed by brief spells of rain, providing temporary relief from intense heat and humidity. Local reporters in Durg said clouds built up through the afternoon and heavy showers began around late evening, bringing down dust and temperatures for a few hours.

Wind alert issued
The meteorological office has issued warnings for gusty winds of 50–60 kilometres per hour across different parts of the state on Thursday. “There may be squally winds accompanied by thunder and lightning in isolated pockets,” an IMD bulletin stated. Officials added similar conditions could persist for the next two days, raising the risk of dust storms and localized damage to weak structures and trees.

Temperature trends
The IMD expects a fall in maximum temperatures by about 2–3°C over the next two days as cloudy skies and rain set in. In the past 24 hours, parts of south Chhattisgarh recorded a slight rise in daytime heat by 1–2°C. Rajnandgaon logged the highest maximum temperature at 44°C, while Ambikapur reported the lowest minimum at 21.4°C overnight.

City outlooks

• Raipur: The capital may see partly cloudy skies with chances of thunder, lightning and a dust storm or rain later in the day. Forecasts put the city’s maximum near 42°C and minimum around 29°C. Local authorities have been asked to keep emergency teams ready for quick response to uprooted trees or damaged signboards.

• Durg: Residents reported sudden heavy downpours after a hot day. Street vendors and commuters said the rain provided immediate respite from oppressive humidity.

• Bilaspur: After a humid day, light rain and gusts swept parts of the district, according to local observers.

Ground cues and timing
Field reporters noted cumulonimbus clouds developing over the plains by late afternoon, accompanied by rising winds that turned dust‑laden in some towns. Initial reports indicate showers lasted from the evening into the night in several pockets, but the IMD cautioned that activity will be intermittent and uneven as the monsoon makes its advance.

Public impact
The wind and rain warnings carry implications for transport, power supply and outdoor work. Farmers welcomed the prospect of the monsoon but were advised to plan sowing only after a sustained rainfall spell. Commuters were urged to exercise caution during dust storms and heavy downpours that can reduce visibility on highways, while municipal bodies were told to clear drains to avoid waterlogging in low‑lying neighbourhoods.

Why it matters
The timing of monsoon onset affects cropping schedules, water management and city services across Chhattisgarh. An early or timely monsoon can ease heat stress and replenish soil moisture, while an erratic start raises concerns for rabi crop residue management and sowing of the kharif crop.

What to expect next
Officials said meteorological updates will follow over the next 48–72 hours as the monsoon axis shifts. “We are monitoring the progress closely; a few districts should see monsoon conditions within three to four days,” an IMD official said. Local administrations have been advised to coordinate with meteorological teams and disaster response units for quick action if squally winds cause damage.

For now, residents should prepare for more unsettled weather—short bursts of rain, thunder, and strong gusts—before the monsoon firmly establishes itself over larger parts of the state.

Unseasonal rain and dust storms lash Madhya Pradesh during Nautapa, leaving two dead in Neemuch and causing mercury to plummet drastically in Sheopur.

A sudden spell of severe dust storms, heavy rainfall, and isolated hailstorms across half of Madhya Pradesh has dramatically disrupted the intense summer heat, causing a massive drop in day and night temperatures. The intense weather shift, coming right during the traditional 'Nautapa' period, brought welcome relief from the heat but left a trail of destruction, resulting in two fatalities and several injuries across multiple districts.

Tragedy strikes Neemuch district

In a tragic incident reported from Singoli in the Neemuch district on Monday night, a mother and her son were killed when the roof of their dilapidated house collapsed under the impact of heavy rain and strong winds. The deceased have been identified as Sosar Bai Dhanotia and her son, Nilesh Dhanotia. Local sources confirmed that Nilesh worked as a newspaper distributor in the area. Following the incident, the local administration announced a total financial assistance of Rs 9 lakh for the grieving family.

Mercury tumbles in Sheopur

According to weather officials, the most dramatic temperature drop was recorded in Sheopur, where the night temperature plunged by a staggering 9.6 degrees Celsius in a single night. Registering a minimum temperature of 15.4 degrees Celsius, Sheopur surprisingly turned out to be colder than Pachmarhi, the state's lone hill station, which usually retains the lowest temperature during this season.

Widespread destruction and injuries

The severe weather system brought heavy winds that uprooted trees and damaged properties in several areas. In Dewas district, a violent dust storm ripped away the tin roofs of houses. In Marethi village under Rupakhedi, the flying tin sheets injured nearly six to seven members of a family. Local reports indicate the winds were strong enough to throw the heavy sheets nearly 500 meters away, destroying stored grains and household items. Similar disruptions were reported from Mandsaur, where a falling tree killed livestock, and in Morena, where the Kailaras town witnessed prolonged late-night showers.

Regional temperature variations

The Meteorological Department data showed significant rainfall across various pockets, with Satna receiving nearly an inch of rain, Betul three-fourths of an inch, and Sheopur recording over half an inch. Major urban centers also witnessed a dip in night temperatures, with Bhopal and Indore recording 22 degrees Celsius and 22.1 degrees Celsius respectively, while Ujjain dropped to 21 degrees Celsius. While the Gwalior-Chambal region continues to face humid conditions and strong sunshine during the daytime, the nights have turned noticeably cooler, providing much-needed respite to the locals.

Heavy wind alert issued

The current weather shift is expected to persist over the next few hours. The Meteorological Department has issued a fresh alert for 13 districts in the state, warning of lightning strikes and high-speed squalls. Districts including Satna, Rewa, Mauganj, Sidhi, Maihar, Singrauli, Shahdol, Anuppur, Mandla, Dindori, Jabalpur, Umaria, and Katni are likely to experience gusty winds reaching speeds of 40 km/h or more. Residents have been advised to stay indoors during the peak hours of the alert.

Heatwave conditions intensified across large parts of India, with Telangana reporting 16 deaths linked to extreme heat while temperatures climbed above 47°C in several districts across northern, western and central states.

Telangana Reports Deaths

A prolonged spell of scorching weather has tightened its grip across the country, with Telangana emerging among the worst-hit states. State Revenue Minister Srinivas Reddy said 16 heat-related deaths have been reported so far as daytime temperatures continue to remain dangerously high.

The severe heatwave stretched across at least 11 states on Friday, including Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Maharashtra and Haryana, where temperatures largely stayed between 40°C and 47°C.

According to weather officials, immediate relief is unlikely, with intense heat expected to persist for at least the next two days.

Mercury Crosses 47°C

Some of the highest readings came from Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh. Banda in Uttar Pradesh recorded around 47°C, while Naugaon and nearby areas in Madhya Pradesh touched nearly 46.8°C.

In Vidarbha’s Brahmapuri region, temperatures climbed further during the afternoon, touching 47.2°C, among the highest recorded in the country.

The extreme conditions produced a striking global snapshot on Friday morning, when Indian cities occupied all 50 positions on a list tracking the world’s hottest locations. Several cities across Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Maharashtra and Haryana had already crossed 42°C before noon.

MP, UP Under Alert

Madhya Pradesh remains firmly in the heatwave zone. Authorities have issued alerts for 42 districts, with Gwalior-Chambal, Sagar, Rewa and Ujjain divisions among the severely affected regions.

A red alert has been sounded for districts including Tikamgarh, Chhatarpur and Panna. Orange and yellow alerts remain in place across dozens of other districts as authorities monitor conditions.

In Uttar Pradesh, residents continue to struggle through relentless heat. Banda remained among the hottest locations in the state. The Meteorological Department has issued a red heatwave alert for Banda, Chitrakoot, Kaushambi and Prayagraj, while 18 other districts remain under orange alert.

Weather Shift Expected

Even as heat dominates much of north and central India, changing weather systems could bring scattered relief to some regions.

According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), a cyclonic circulation remains active over Pakistan while another weather system has formed near Bihar. A low-pressure area over the Arabian Sea is also influencing conditions.

Because of these systems, rainfall activity may increase in parts of Delhi, West Bengal, Goa, Maharashtra, Lakshadweep and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands over the weekend.

Heavy rain warnings have also been issued for Kerala and several northeastern states, while thunderstorms with gusty winds are possible in parts of Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka and Jharkhand.

Bihar Lightning Toll

Weather conditions turned volatile in parts of Bihar on Friday. Rainfall was reported from districts including Araria, Nalanda, Jehanabad and Supaul.

However, lightning strikes claimed four lives in the state, according to initial reports.

Farther north, snowfall and unstable weather were reported from Zojila in Jammu and Kashmir and parts of Uttarakhand including Chamoli and Pithoragarh, highlighting the sharp regional contrasts in India’s weather pattern.

No Immediate Relief

Forecasts for May 24 and May 25 suggest heatwave conditions will likely continue across Delhi, Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Bihar, Chhattisgarh and Telangana.

Southern and northeastern states, meanwhile, are expected to see rain, thunderstorms and lightning activity.

With heatwave warnings remaining active and temperatures staying well above seasonal norms, health officials and disaster management agencies are urging people to avoid prolonged outdoor exposure, stay hydrated and take precautions during peak afternoon hours.

Chhattisgarh Braces for Five-Day Heat Wave as Storm Damage Mounts Across State

Heat advisory issued for central districts; southern regions face thunderstorm risk as temperatures climb

Heat wave warning extended across central belt

Chhattisgarh is set to experience a prolonged spell of intense heat over the next five days, with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) issuing a formal heat wave alert for the state's central districts. Officials have cautioned residents to take precautions as maximum temperatures are expected to rise by 2 to 3 degrees Celsius over the coming four days.

The weather office has also flagged the possibility of thunderstorms, gusty winds, and light rainfall across select pockets of southern Chhattisgarh, signalling a mixed pattern even as the heat intensifies across most of the state.

Storm damage reported in Durg-Bhilai region

The evening of May 19 saw severe weather conditions grip parts of the state. In Durg-Bhilai, a thunderstorm accompanied by strong winds caused significant damage, with a high-voltage electricity pole collapsing onto a parked vehicle. The incident underscored the volatile conditions that preceded the broader heat advisory.

Raigarh district also experienced heavy winds and light showers during evening hours, while Raipur saw cloud cover develop by late afternoon, providing temporary relief from the oppressive heat. The scattered convective activity across these zones marks the tail end of pre-monsoon instability before sustained heat takes over.

Temperature records: Bilaspur soars, Ambika region coolest

Latest data from the IMD shows Bilaspur recording the state's highest maximum temperature at 43.4 degrees Celsius, making it the hottest district in Chhattisgarh. By contrast, Ambikapur logged the lowest minimum temperature at 25.7 degrees Celsius.

Raipur, the state capital, is expected to touch around 43 degrees Celsius on Tuesday, with the minimum hovering near 30 degrees under clear sky conditions. Narayanpur district's Nangur region recorded 30 mm of rainfall, the only significant precipitation observed during the past 24 hours.

What to expect: Next 48 hours remain dry

The meteorological office has forecast largely dry conditions across Chhattisgarh for the next two days. However, heat wave effects are likely to persist in several parts, with officials advising people to remain hydrated and avoid unnecessary outdoor activity during peak afternoon hours.

The central and northern districts face the brunt of the heat advisory, while southern pockets retain a marginal chance of scattered thunderstorm activity. Grid operators have been alerted to potential strain on the power distribution system due to increased cooling demand.

Monsoon tracking: Southwest arrival by late May

Scientists tracking the southwest monsoon indicate Kerala could see the system's arrival around May 26, with a possible window of four days either way. This timing suggests relief for Chhattisgarh may come in early June, though exact progression remains subject to atmospheric dynamics.

Until monsoon onset, the state must prepare for sustained heat. Health authorities have ramped up heat-related illness awareness campaigns, particularly targeting vulnerable populations and outdoor workers.

Key Health Advisories for Summer Months

Officials have released parallel guidance on maintaining fitness routines during extreme heat, managing hydration protocols, and recognising heat edema symptoms—a condition where limbs swell due to heat-induced changes in blood vessel circulation and fluid balance.

The state health department emphasised avoiding common summer mistakes such as consuming ice-cold water, inadequate hydration, venturing outdoors unprepared, and poor hygiene practices that collectively increase risk of dehydration, fatigue, skin complications, and digestive disorders.

Heat edema, often dismissed as trivial, warrants medical attention if accompanied by persistent swelling. The condition reflects the body's thermoregulation mechanisms under thermal stress.

Looking ahead

As Chhattisgarh navigates the extended heat spell, residents are urged to follow basic precautions: drink ample water, wear light clothing, apply sunscreen, and seek shade during 11 AM to 4 PM hours. Industries and construction sites have been asked to adjust work schedules to minimise heat exposure.

The next forecast update is expected by evening May 20.