Rainfall, thunderstorms and cloud cover brought a decisive end to the intense heatwave that had gripped large parts of India, with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) confirming on Sunday that heatwave conditions have subsided nationwide.

Temperatures dropped sharply across several states as active weather systems triggered rain, strong winds and dust storms. While the change brought widespread relief from weeks of scorching heat, it also caused travel disruptions and affected religious events in some regions.

 Heatwave finally breaks

After prolonged spells of 45°C-plus temperatures in many areas, Sunday’s weather shift offered a visible respite. The IMD said the combination of moisture-laden winds and western disturbances led to the sudden change.

Officials noted that maximum temperatures in previously heatwave-hit zones fell by 4 to 6 degrees Celsius compared to earlier in the week.

 Rajasthan sees second dust storm

Parts of Rajasthan witnessed dust storms for a second consecutive day. On Sunday evening, a thick sandstorm hit Jaisalmer, turning daylight into near-darkness within minutes. Videos circulating from the area showed towering clouds of dust rolling across the desert landscape.

Phalodi, one of Rajasthan’s hottest towns, recorded a relatively lower maximum of 42.6°C. The state had already experienced a major dust storm on Saturday that affected Sri Ganganagar, Bikaner, Churu, Hanumangarh and Sikar – an area of nearly 200 square kilometres – with wind speeds reaching 56 kmph.

 50 rescued from swollen river in Uttarakhand

In Uttarakhand’s Champawat district, more than 50 devotees attending the annual Jod Mela at Shri Reetha Sahib Gurudwara were stranded after a nearby river swelled due to heavy rain. Local authorities and security forces launched a rescue operation and evacuated everyone safely by late evening.

The sudden surge in river currents also disrupted movement in other parts of the hill state. Officials said no casualties have been reported.

 Kedarnath Yatra temporarily halted

Heavy rainfall and adverse weather conditions forced authorities to suspend the Kedarnath Yatra as a precaution. Pilgrims already en route were advised to wait at designated stops until weather clears. The decision came after several stretches of the trek received intense downpour, increasing the risk of landslides.

 UP, Bengal see relief rain

Several Uttar Pradesh districts received moderate showers. Ballia recorded 34.4 mm of rain, Moradabad 21.8 mm, and Lucknow 2.4 mm. The state capital’s maximum temperature dropped to 36.3°C – nearly 4°C below normal – while the minimum settled at 24.7°C.

In Kolkata, afternoon rain accompanied by strong winds flipped umbrellas and caused waterlogging in low-lying areas. Pushkar in Rajasthan also saw heavy rain, leading to similar water accumulation on streets.

 Monsoon to reach Kerala by June 4, says IMD

The IMD has forecast that the southwest monsoon is likely to arrive in Kerala around June 4. However, the agency warned that the upcoming rainy season may be weaker than normal. India could receive about 78 cm of rainfall between June and September, below the long-term average of 87 cm.

While Bihar and Uttar Pradesh may get near-normal rain, several other regions – particularly rain-fed agricultural zones – face the risk of below-normal precipitation.

 What to expect on June 2 and 3

Strong winds of 40–50 kmph are likely on June 2 over Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand and Rajasthan. Maharashtra and Karnataka may witness thunderstorms with lightning and gusty winds. Widespread rainfall is expected across Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Karnataka.

On June 3, thunderstorms with similar wind speeds are forecast for Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, Chandigarh, UP and Rajasthan, with dust storms likely in some areas. Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand and Bihar could see rain and lightning. The northeast will continue to receive heavy to very heavy showers.

Chhattisgarh Braces for Strong Winds, Thunderstorms and Rain

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has warned of strong winds reaching 40-50 km per hour in the next 24 hours across several parts of Chhattisgarh, accompanied by the likelihood of thunderstorms and rain. The unsettled weather is expected to continue in some form for the next five days, though its impact on daytime temperatures will remain limited.

Commuters in Bilaspur were caught off guard as a dust storm picked up suddenly, forcing many to stop their two-wheelers and seek shelter. Similar scenes of gusty winds and dark clouds have been reported from other pockets in the state in recent days.

 Gusty Winds and Thunder Likely

According to the Raipur Met Centre, isolated to scattered thunderstorms with lightning and gusty winds are likely over the state. While widespread heavy rain is not forecast, brief but intense spells accompanied by thunder and lightning cannot be ruled out, especially during evening and night hours.

Officials have advised residents, particularly in rural and semi-urban areas, to secure loose objects, avoid open fields during storms, and stay away from tall trees and electric poles.

Temperatures to Rise Gradually

Despite the stormy activity, the heat is far from over. The maximum temperature is expected to climb by 2 to 4 degrees Celsius in the coming days. The upward trend has already begun, with a rise of about 2 degrees recorded in the past 24 hours. Rajnandgaon remained the hottest place in the state, touching 41 degrees Celsius recently.

Raipur is likely to see a maximum of around 40 degrees Celsius and a minimum near 25 degrees on Friday. The state capital may remain under cloudy skies with a chance of light showers or thundershowers towards evening or late night.

Recent Rainfall and Ground Reality

Some parts of the state have already received relief from scattered showers. Charama recorded 30 mm of rainfall while Gariaband received 10 mm in the last spell. However, these amounts have not been enough to significantly ease the prevailing hot and dry conditions.

Pendra Road recorded the lowest minimum temperature at 20.6 degrees Celsius, offering some respite in the northern parts of the state during nights.

Public Caution and Precautions

Local administration in vulnerable districts has been put on alert. Farmers have been asked to complete harvesting or take protective measures for standing crops. Schools in some areas have been advised to monitor afternoon weather before sending children home.

Traffic movement on highways could be affected due to reduced visibility during dust storms or heavy downpours. Power outages are also possible in areas prone to strong winds and lightning.

IMD Outlook for Next Few Days

The weather department expects the current spell of pre-monsoon activity to persist intermittently. While the intensity may vary from place to place, the combination of dust storms, gusty winds, and thundershowers is likely to dominate the weather narrative across Chhattisgarh in the short term.

As summer temperatures hover in the high 30s and low 40s, even short spells of rain and wind provide temporary relief to residents battling the heat. However, the gradual rise in mercury means discomfort levels are set to increase again once this stormy phase subsides.

Motorists and outdoor workers have been urged to remain vigilant. Authorities have also appealed to people not to ignore warnings issued through local media and official channels.

The situation is being monitored closely, with updated forecasts expected to be issued regularly as the system evolves.