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.