The southwest monsoon has slowed down just as it reached Chhattisgarh, with its pace temporarily on hold across the state. While the much-awaited full arrival is still pending, the India Meteorological Department has forecast thunderstorm, lightning, gusty winds and light to moderate rainfall in several parts of the state over the next five days.

In the past 24 hours, northern Chhattisgarh witnessed spells of thunder and lightning accompanied by strong winds. Light to moderate rain occurred in scattered areas. The maximum temperature touched 41.2 degrees Celsius in Durg, making it the hottest place in the state, while Ambikapur recorded the lowest minimum temperature at 22.9 degrees Celsius.

Meteorologists said the monsoon has currently stalled near the state’s border, leading to a temporary break in its progress. However, conditions remain favourable for renewed activity. Several districts may experience gusty winds blowing at 40 to 50 km per hour, raising the risk of dust storms and thunderstorms in the coming days.

Raipur, the state capital, is likely to stay under cloudy skies on Tuesday. The weather department has issued an alert for thunderstorm, rain or dusty winds in the city. Day temperature is expected to hover around 39 degrees Celsius while the night temperature may settle near 27 degrees Celsius.

The current weather pattern has brought some relief from the intense heat in certain pockets, though temperatures are still high in many places. Just four days ago in Korba, heavy showers turned streets into temporary streams, with children seen floating paper boats — images that captured the joy of the first good spell of rain.

Officials are closely monitoring the situation as the state prepares for the full onset of the monsoon. Farmers, especially those yet to complete sowing, are hoping for timely and widespread rainfall in the coming week. At the same time, authorities have asked people to remain cautious of lightning and strong winds, which can damage standing crops, weak structures and overhead power lines.

In the last few years, Chhattisgarh has seen erratic monsoon behaviour, sometimes leading to floods in low-lying areas and drought-like conditions in others. This year too, the delayed and paused progress of the monsoon has become a topic of discussion among locals and agricultural experts.

The Met department has advised that while no extremely heavy rainfall is predicted immediately, the possibility of thundershowers with squally winds cannot be ruled out. People living in vulnerable areas have been asked to stay alert, particularly during late afternoon and evening hours when such weather activity usually peaks.

As of now, no major disruption has been reported due to the current weather, but the next five days will be crucial for the state’s agriculture-dependent regions. Further updates on the monsoon’s movement are expected in the coming hours.

The weather department said it is keeping a constant watch on developing systems. Residents have been urged not to take shelter under trees during thunderstorms and to avoid open areas when lightning is reported.

For now, Chhattisgarh waits for the monsoon to pick up pace again after this temporary lull.