A low-pressure area over northeast Madhya Pradesh and adjoining Chhattisgarh is likely to produce widespread rain and potentially disruptive weather across both states, the India Meteorological Department has said.

According to the IMD’s August 9 bulletin, the associated cyclonic circulation extends up to 7.6 km above mean sea level and tilts southwestwards with height—conditions capable of sustaining intense rain-producing clouds.

The monsoon trough is also passing through Gwalior and the centre of the low-pressure system before extending towards Puri and the east-central Bay of Bengal. These two systems are expected to keep moisture concentrated over central India.

Heavy Rain Warning for MP and Chhattisgarh

Heavy to very heavy rainfall is likely at isolated places across Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh on August 9. Thunderstorms accompanied by lightning are also expected.

In Madhya Pradesh, gusty winds could reach speeds of 30–40 kmph during thunderstorms.

For August 10, the IMD has forecast:

• Heavy to very heavy rain at isolated places in western Madhya Pradesh.
• Heavy rain at isolated places in eastern Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh.
• Thunderstorms and gusty winds of 30–40 kmph in Madhya Pradesh.
• Lightning at isolated places in Chhattisgarh.

Heavy rainfall may continue at isolated places in Madhya Pradesh on August 11, although its intensity and distribution could change as the low-pressure system moves.

Possible Impact

The IMD has warned that intense spells could cause waterlogging in low-lying areas, reduced visibility and temporary disruption to road and rail traffic.

Strong winds and saturated soil may damage tree branches, small trees, standing crops, kutcha houses and other vulnerable structures. Localised flooding is possible where drainage is inadequate.

Residents should avoid sheltering under trees during thunderstorms, stay away from waterlogged roads and follow district-level alerts. Farmers should secure harvested produce and postpone spraying or other field operations during thunderstorms.

Forecast conditions may change, so readers should check the latest district nowcast before travelling.

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.