The delayed monsoon has covered over half the state, but most districts are staring at a severe rainfall deficit just as the kharif season begins.

The southwest monsoon has finally made its way into Chhattisgarh, covering more than half the state after entering through the Dantewada region. But here's the catch — it arrived nearly a week late, and the rain it brought so far is nowhere near enough.

Data from the meteorological department shows that between June 1 and now, the state should have received 108.2 mm of rainfall. The actual figure? Just 33.2 mm. That's a deficit of nearly 69 per cent.

The monsoon's northern limit reached Raipur by June 23, triggering weather changes across most parts. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has now issued a warning for thunderstorms and lightning strikes across the state for the next seven days.

Bastar Leads, But Still Falls Short

The Bastar division, which traditionally gets the first monsoon showers, has fared relatively better than other regions. But "better" is a relative term here:

- Bastar district: 74.8 mm rainfall against a normal of 142.7 mm — a 48% deficit

- Dantewada: 49.9 mm against 107.7 mm normal — down by 54%

- Sukma: 60.3 mm recorded, which is 54% below normal

Kondagaon and Bijapur reported 51.9 mm and 28 mm respectively.

Central Chhattisgarh Worst Hit

The situation in central districts is far more concerning. Raipur, the state capital, has recorded just 25.3 mm against a normal of 90.1 mm — a massive 72% deficit. Dhamtari, Durg, and Mahasamund are all reporting similar shortfalls, with deficits ranging between 70-80%.

But the numbers get even more alarming when you look at some districts:

- Rajnandgaon: 8.3 mm against a normal of 100.3 mm — a staggering 92% deficit

- Mohla-Manpur-Chowki: 95% deficit

- Balodabazar and Sarangarh-Bilaigarh: 83% below normal

- Sakti: 83% deficit

What This Means for Farmers

These numbers aren't just statistics — they matter on the ground. The kharif sowing season is underway, and most districts haven't received enough moisture for proper planting. Farmers are watching the skies nervously, waiting for the rains to pick up.

Agriculture experts say the next 10 days will be critical. If widespread, good rainfall doesn't arrive in the last week of June, the sowing window could shrink significantly, impacting crop yields later in the season.

The good news, according to the weather department, is that the coming week might bring some relief. Thunderstorms and lightning are expected across the state, with heavy spells possible in some areas.

Where It Rained in the Last 24 Hours

Doundi and Nangur recorded the highest rainfall in the past 24 hours. Mainpur and Dhamtari received 40 mm each. Areas like Sarsiwa, Kanker, Kukrel, Darbha, Nagri, Dhanora, Bhatgaon, Magarlod, Jagdalpur, Rajnandgaon, Baderajpur, and Tokapal reported around 30 mm.

Light to moderate rain was also recorded in Bastar, Bilaigarh, Amlipadar, Belargaon, Makdi, Gurur, Patan, Charama, Gariaband, Chhura, Sarona, Kurud, Bhanupratapur, Farsgaon, and Bhakhra.

Temperature Watch

Despite the rain, Bilaspur recorded the highest maximum temperature in the state at 39 degrees Celsius. Rajnandgaon saw the lowest minimum temperature at 22 degrees.

For Raipur, the IMD has forecast cloudy skies with thunderstorms and rain on June 24. The maximum temperature is expected to hover around 35 degrees, with the minimum settling at about 25 degrees.

Officials are hopeful that the rainfall deficit will reduce significantly if the monsoon gains strength in the coming days. But for now, farmers and residents across Chhattisgarh are waiting — and watching the clouds.