Sudden Weather Shift in Chhattisgarh; Hailstorms Lash Raigarh, Gariyaband

Met department issues a five-day rain alert for Chhattisgarh as twin weather systems trigger hailstorms and winds of up to 50 kmph

Parts of Chhattisgarh witnessed a dramatic shift in weather on Thursday as severe hailstorms struck Raigarh and Gariyaband, providing a sharp contrast to the ongoing heatwave. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecasted that the state will continue to see light rain, thunderstorms, and lightning across all divisions for the next five days.

The sudden atmospheric change is being driven by two active weather systems. Local authorities reported that the intensity of the hailstorm in Gariyaband’s Indagaon, Udanti, and Jugad areas was significant enough to blanket National Highway 130C and surrounding farmland in a layer of white ice.

Twin Weather Systems Active

Meteorologists at the Raipur center have identified a cyclonic circulation situated near southeast Uttar Pradesh at an altitude of 1.5 km. Simultaneously, a trough line extending from Uttar Pradesh to Odisha is currently passing through Chhattisgarh at a lower altitude of 0.9 km.

"These systems are drawing in moisture, which is triggering convective activity across the state," a weather official noted. The interaction of these systems is expected to sustain the unstable conditions until early next week, with wind speeds likely to touch 50 kmph during peak storm hours.

Mercury to Drop Slightly

While the state has been reeling under intense heat, the current spells of rain are expected to bring marginal relief. Forecasts suggest a dip of 1 to 2 degrees Celsius in maximum temperatures over the next 48 hours. However, no significant fluctuations are anticipated after this initial cooling period for the subsequent three days.

On Thursday, Durg remained the hottest spot in the state with a maximum temperature of 43.6°C. In contrast, Jagdalpur recorded a minimum of 24.1°C following light showers in the southern districts over the last 24 hours.

Ground Impact in Gariyaband

The hailstorm in the Udanti wildlife buffer zone and adjoining areas took residents by surprise on Thursday evening. Commuters on the national highway reported visibility issues as the hail began to accumulate. While the "snow-like" scenery drew onlookers, local farmers expressed concern regarding potential damage to standing crops and vegetables, though a formal assessment by the district administration is still pending.

Alert for High-Speed Winds

The Met Department has issued a specific warning for today, cautioning residents about thunderstorms accompanied by gusty winds ranging between 40 to 50 kmph. Isolated pockets are likely to experience lightning strikes, and the public has been advised to seek shelter in sturdy structures during the squalls.

Raipur Weather Outlook

In the capital city of Raipur, the sky is expected to remain generally cloudy throughout Friday. Local forecasts indicate a high probability of thunderstorms and light rain towards the evening. The maximum temperature in the city is likely to hover around 42°C, while the minimum is expected to stay near 30°C, maintaining a humid environment despite the cloud cover.

Safety Guidelines Issued

Local authorities have urged citizens to stay updated through weather bulletins, especially those traveling through the forest stretches of Bastar and Gariyaband. With the five-day rain alert for Chhattisgarh in effect, lightning remains a primary concern for rural areas. People are advised to stay away from tall trees and electric poles during the afternoon and evening hours when the storm activity typically peaks.