Chhattisgarh is likely to witness another spell of heavy rainfall, with the Meteorological Department warning of heavy to very heavy rain at several places in the northern parts of the state. The wet spell is expected to continue for the next two days before rainfall activity gradually decreases.

During the past 24 hours, parts of the Surguja division recorded heavy to extremely heavy rainfall. Kusmi received the highest rainfall at 180 mm (7.1 inches), while Daura Kochli, Biharapur and Pratappur recorded around 130 mm (5.1 inches) each.

Depression Drives Rainfall

According to the weather department, a depression located over Jharkhand and adjoining areas of West Bengal remains active. Its influence is expected to keep rainfall activity strong over northern Chhattisgarh during the next two days.

Several areas may also experience thunderstorms, lightning and heavy showers during this period. After the next two days, rainfall activity is expected to gradually weaken.

Rain Forecast for Raipur

The state capital is likely to remain cloudy on Saturday, August 15. The weather department has forecast spells of rain or thundershowers in Raipur, with the possibility of lightning during some periods.

The maximum temperature is expected to remain around 27°C, while the minimum temperature could be close to 25°C.

Temperature Across State

Durg recorded the highest maximum temperature in Chhattisgarh at 32.2°C, while Pendra Road recorded the lowest minimum temperature at 22°C.

Several parts of the state received light to moderate rainfall during the previous 24 hours.

Rainfall Deficit Continues

Despite the recent showers, Chhattisgarh has received slightly less rainfall than normal since the beginning of the monsoon season.

Between June 1 and August 13, the state recorded 668.8 mm (26.3 inches) of rainfall against the normal 734.4 mm (28.9 inches) for the period. This represents a deficit of 65.6 mm (2.6 inches), or 9 per cent.

The overall rainfall situation in the state, however, remains within the normal category.

Narayanpur Leads Rainfall

On a district-wise basis, Narayanpur has recorded the highest cumulative rainfall so far at 1,043.9 mm (41.1 inches). Its normal rainfall for the period is 780.7 mm, making the actual rainfall 34 per cent above normal.

Other districts with high rainfall include Sarangarh-Bilaigarh with 948.2 mm, Bijapur with 870.6 mm, Janjgir with 857.3 mm and Mahasamund with 835.6 mm.

Sarangarh Sees Highest Surplus

Sarangarh-Bilaigarh has recorded the highest rainfall surplus in the state. Against normal rainfall of 598.2 mm, the district has received 948.2 mm, which is 59 per cent above normal.

Narayanpur follows with a 34 per cent surplus, while rainfall in Mungeli is 32 per cent above normal. Balodabazar, Mahasamund and Janjgir have recorded surpluses of 28 per cent, 26 per cent and 24 per cent, respectively.

Surguja Faces Biggest Deficit

Surguja has recorded the state's largest rainfall deficit. The district has received 379.6 mm against normal rainfall of 773.2 mm, resulting in a 51 per cent deficit.

Jashpur has recorded a 45 per cent deficit, followed by Bemetara at 40 per cent, Kanker at 35 per cent, Surajpur at 22 per cent, and Bastar and Kabirdham at 21 per cent each.

Raipur Above Normal

Raipur has received 727.8 mm (28.7 inches) of rainfall up to August 13, compared with its normal rainfall of 641.9 mm (25.3 inches). This means the capital has received 85.9 mm, or 13 per cent, more rainfall than normal.

Overall, 20 of Chhattisgarh's 33 districts are currently in the normal rainfall category, while six districts have received above-normal rainfall and seven remain below normal.