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.

IMD issues alert for thunderstorms and gusty winds across the state over next five days, while a female bear succumbs to extreme heat in Marwahi forest.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a five-day alert for thunderstorms, lightning and gusty winds across Chhattisgarh, even as a female bear died due to heatstroke in Marwahi forest division, officials said on Tuesday.

The weather system is expected to bring relief from scorching temperatures in many parts, but only after a brief warming spell. Officials said no major change in mercury levels is likely over the next 24 hours, after which maximum temperatures may rise by 1 to 2 degrees Celsius.

 Five-Day Warning Issued

According to the IMD’s regional bulletin, different districts of Chhattisgarh will witness rain accompanied by gusty winds and thunder over the next five days. The alert covers several parts, including Raipur, Bilaspur, and Bastar regions.

Local authorities have advised residents to remain cautious while stepping out, especially during late afternoon and evening hours when squall activity is most likely.

 Temperature Rise Ahead

Despite the rain forecast, heat will not fully retreat. After 24 hours, day temperatures are projected to inch up again. On Monday, the state’s highest temperature of 42 degrees Celsius was recorded in Rajnandgaon, while the lowest minimum of 20.4°C was logged at Pendra Road.

Officials said the combination of heat and humidity in some areas could make conditions uncomfortable even after the rainfall.

Recent Rainfall Across State

In the past 24 hours, several parts recorded light to moderate showers. Gariaband district saw the highest rainfall at 30 mm, followed by Sukma and Ramanujnagar in Surajpur district with 20 mm each. Tokapal and Jagdalpur in Bastar also received some precipitation.

Pendra had experienced a dust storm and rain two days ago, according to local residents.

Bear Death Confirmed

Extreme heat has also taken a toll on wildlife. A female bear died due to sunstroke and heat stress in a forest near Piparia village under Marwahi forest division.

“The bear succumbed to heat-related complications. Our team reached the spot after villagers alerted us,” said Marwahi DFO Grishma Chand, confirming the death. Forest officials have ordered a basic health check of other animals in the vicinity.

Incidents of heat-induced wildlife deaths have been reported sporadically across central India this summer, though they remain relatively rare.

Raipur’s Forecast

For the state capital, the IMD has predicted a cloudy sky with a possibility of rain, thunder or a dust storm later in the day. Maximum temperature is expected to hover around 40°C, while the minimum could settle near 27°C.

The meteorological department has not ruled out isolated intense spells in some districts over the next 48 hours. Officials said they are monitoring the development of any squall lines that could cause localised damage.

Authorities have also urged farmers to postpone any pesticide spraying or outdoor agricultural work until the weather stabilises. Meanwhile, wildlife officials have stepped up patrols in forested areas to check for any more distress signs among animals due to prolonged heat.

The CM Mohan Yadav Rewa visit on Monday evening drew attention as the Chief Minister arrived at Rewa airport after travelling from Lucknow. He reached the city primarily to attend a private family wedding ceremony. As soon as his aircraft landed, he was welcomed by public representatives and senior administrative officials.

The airport premises witnessed a brief but formal reception. Local leaders, including MLA Siddharth Tiwari, BJP district president Virendra Gupta and other party functionaries, greeted the Chief Minister with floral bouquets. The arrival remained smooth, with security arrangements in place.

Private Family Event

The Chief Minister’s visit was centered around a family function in Rewa. According to officials, the programme was entirely private in nature. He attended the wedding ceremony of his brother-in-law Sadanand Yadav’s son, Prabhakar, who got married to Poonam.

During the event, the Chief Minister interacted with family members and extended his blessings to the newlyweds. The atmosphere remained informal, with close relatives and select guests present at the venue. The CM Mohan Yadav Rewa visit remained restricted to family engagements without any official public programme.

Wedding Ceremony Details

The wedding rituals were conducted in accordance with traditional customs. The Chief Minister was seen spending time with the family and offering good wishes to the couple for their married life.

Deputy Chief Minister Rajendra Shukla also attended the ceremony alongside the Chief Minister. Their presence highlighted the close personal ties shared with the family. Sources indicated that the leaders stayed briefly for the rituals before returning to scheduled engagements.

Political Leaders Present

Apart from family members, several political leaders were present at the airport and during parts of the visit. Senior BJP leaders and local representatives ensured a coordinated welcome arrangement.

Officials said the presence of political leaders at the airport was part of protocol and courtesy. The gathering remained brief, and no formal public address or political meeting was held during the CM Mohan Yadav Rewa visit.

Administrative Presence

Senior administrative officers were deployed at Rewa airport to oversee security and protocol arrangements. Commissioner B.S. Jamod, IG Gaurav Rajput, DIG Hemant Singh Chauhan, and Superintendent of Police Shailendra Singh Chauhan were among those present.

Officials maintained coordination for smooth movement of the Chief Minister’s convoy. District administration ensured that both arrival and departure procedures were conducted without disruption. The arrangements reflected standard protocol for high-level visits.

Overnight Stay Rewa

After attending the ceremony, the Chief Minister stayed overnight in Rewa. The schedule remained private, with no official government meetings listed for the evening. Sources confirmed that his stay was limited to family commitments.

The visit also saw minimal public interaction, keeping the focus strictly on personal engagement. Security personnel remained deployed throughout the night at the designated location.

Coimbatore Departure Plan

As per the official schedule, the Chief Minister is set to depart from Rewa airport at around 10:05 AM on Tuesday. He will travel to Coimbatore in Tamil Nadu for his next engagement. The CM Mohan Yadav Rewa visit is expected to conclude with this departure.

Officials confirmed that the onward journey is part of a pre-decided itinerary involving official commitments. The administration has completed all necessary arrangements for smooth take-off.

The visit, largely personal in nature, briefly brought political and administrative activity to Rewa airport before returning to routine governance schedules. The CM Mohan Yadav Rewa visit highlighted a blend of personal engagements and structured official movement, reflecting coordinated state-level protocol handling.