A severe Chhattisgarh heatwave continued to tighten its grip across the state on Monday, with Bilaspur recording the highest maximum temperature at 44.4 degrees Celsius and at least five cities crossing the 42-degree mark. According to officials, dry weather persisted across the state over the past 24 hours, even as the India Meteorological Department (IMD) warned of thunderstorms, lightning and gusty winds in parts of central Chhattisgarh over the next two days.

Bilaspur Hottest in State

Bilaspur remained the hottest location in Chhattisgarh, underlining the intensity of the ongoing heat spell. The weather office said Ambikapur recorded the lowest minimum temperature at 22.5 degrees Celsius, offering little comfort as daytime temperatures remained well above normal across major districts.

Officials indicated that no major change in maximum temperatures was observed during the past 24 hours, and similar conditions are likely to continue for the next three days. A marginal drop of 1 to 3 degrees Celsius may begin thereafter, as per reports.

Storm Alert Issued

Even as heatwave conditions prevailed, the IMD issued a fresh warning for light rainfall, thunderstorms and lightning in isolated areas of the state. Wind speeds may reach 40 to 50 kmph in several districts, particularly in central Chhattisgarh, where unstable weather is expected to develop over the next 48 hours.

The department said the mixed weather pattern may bring brief local relief, but it is unlikely to significantly alter the broader heat conditions across the state.

Central Region on Edge

Parts of central Chhattisgarh are expected to remain under heatwave conditions for the next three days. Weather officials have also warned of “warm night” conditions in some areas, where minimum temperatures may remain significantly above seasonal averages, reducing overnight relief.

Raipur is likely to remain among the worst-hit urban centres. The capital is expected to record a maximum temperature close to 45 degrees Celsius, with the minimum likely to hover around 28 degrees Celsius. This could result in sustained heat stress during both day and night.

Why Temperatures Are Rising

Meteorologists have linked the sharp rise in temperatures to a trough extending from Vidarbha to southern India, along with an upper air cyclonic circulation over the Bengal-Odisha region. This weather pattern has sustained the flow of hot and dry winds into Chhattisgarh, pushing daytime temperatures higher across the plains.

According to officials, these synoptic conditions have also prevented widespread rainfall activity, allowing heat to build steadily across the region.

Public Advisory in Force

The weather department has advised residents to avoid stepping out during peak afternoon hours unless necessary. People have been asked to stay hydrated, wear loose cotton clothing and cover their heads while travelling outdoors.

Officials also urged elderly citizens, children and those with existing health conditions to take extra precautions, as prolonged exposure to heatwave conditions can trigger dehydration, exhaustion and heatstroke.

Relief Still Limited

While isolated showers and gusty winds may offer temporary respite in some pockets, broad relief from the Chhattisgarh heatwave is not expected immediately. The state is likely to continue witnessing a mix of heatwave conditions, warm nights and scattered thunderstorm activity over the next two to three days.

Chhattisgarh heatwave conditions tightened their grip on the state on Friday, with Rajnandgaon recording the highest temperature at 44.5°C and the India Meteorological Department warning of a further 1–2°C rise over the next 48 hours. Raipur remains under heatwave alert, though light rain and thunderstorms may bring limited relief after two days.

Heatwave Tightens Grip

Chhattisgarh continued to reel under severe heat on Friday as maximum temperatures stayed well above normal across several districts. Rajnandgaon emerged as the hottest location in the state at 44.5°C, while Raipur was expected to touch 44°C under prevailing heatwave conditions.

According to officials, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a heatwave warning for parts of central Chhattisgarh between April 25 and April 27. The department said temperatures are likely to rise by another 1–2°C over the next two days, prolonging discomfort across the region.

Rajnandgaon Hottest Spot

The highest day temperature in the state was recorded in Rajnandgaon at 44.5°C, underscoring the intensity of the current heat spell. Raipur, Durg and Bilaspur also remained among the hotter pockets, with residents facing harsh afternoon conditions and dry winds.

In contrast, Ambikapur remained relatively cooler, recording the lowest minimum temperature at 20.5°C. However, weather officials said isolated relief in northern districts is unlikely to significantly alter the broader heat pattern affecting the state.

Raipur On Alert

The IMD has flagged heatwave conditions in Raipur, where the maximum temperature is forecast to remain around 44°C, with the minimum likely to hover near 28°C. Officials said hot and dry winds during the afternoon could intensify exposure risks, especially for outdoor workers, schoolchildren and the elderly.

As per reports, district administrations have been asked to remain alert and monitor local conditions, particularly during peak afternoon hours when heat stress levels are expected to remain high.

Why Heat Is Rising

Meteorologists attributed the sharp rise in temperatures to a trough line extending from Vidarbha to southern India, along with cyclonic circulation in the upper air over the Bengal-Odisha region. This weather pattern has sustained the flow of hot and dry winds into Chhattisgarh.

According to weather experts, the combination of dry continental winds and delayed moisture intrusion has prevented any meaningful cooling, allowing daytime temperatures to climb steadily across central parts of the state.

Rain Relief After Two Days

While heatwave conditions are likely to persist in the short term, the weather department has indicated a possible shift after the next 48 hours. Some parts of Chhattisgarh may witness light rainfall, thunder activity and gusty winds reaching 30–40 kmph.

Officials said this could offer temporary relief in select districts, though isolated pockets may continue to experience heatwave conditions despite localised weather activity. The expected change is not likely to bring widespread cooling immediately.

Exam Timings Revised

The ongoing heat has also prompted administrative adjustments. In Bilaspur, Vyapam has revised the timing of upcoming competitive examinations in view of the rising temperatures.

Officials said exams that were earlier scheduled from 12 noon will now begin at 10 am. The revised schedule will apply to the Mandi Board Sub-Inspector examination on April 26, SSC Nursing and PET on May 14, and PPHT on May 21.

Public Impact Widens

The prolonged heat spell has begun affecting daily routines, public movement and examination schedules across Chhattisgarh. Health risks linked to dehydration and heat stress have also increased, particularly in urban centres and interior districts where daytime exposure remains high.