Monsoon Arrives Early During Nautapa in Chhattisgarh, Rain Alert Issued for 29 Districts
Raipur
Amid the intense heat of Nautapa, the southwest monsoon made an early entry into Chhattisgarh, arriving 12 days ahead of schedule. Typically expected around June 8, the monsoon crossed into Dantewada on May 28 this year via Maharashtra, as confirmed by the India Meteorological Department (IMD). A rain alert has been issued for 29 districts across the state.
Heavy rains in Ambikapur have caused rivers and streams to overflow, creating flood-like conditions. According to IMD, the northern limit of the monsoon has now reached Mumbai, Ahilyanagar, Adilabad, Dantewada, Rayagada, Agartala, and Goalpara, while the Bastar division has already experienced the season’s first showers.
Over the past five days, Chhattisgarh has received around 2,840 mm of rainfall—nearly six times the usual May average of 430–450 mm. On Tuesday, thunderstorms and rain affected several districts, including Raipur. In Korba, lightning strikes killed an 8th-grade student and a woman. Rainfall also brought a significant drop in temperatures, and a heavy rain alert remains in place for all districts today.
According to the alert, thunderstorms, lightning, and sudden strong winds (30–40 KMPH) accompanied by rain are expected in:
Sukma, Bijapur, South Bastar Dantewada, Bastar, Narayanpur, Kondagaon, Rajnandgaon, Raipur, Baloda Bazar, Janjgir-Champa, Bilaspur, Durg, Bemetara, Kabirdham, and Mungeli districts.
A similar alert with light rain and wind gusts has been issued for:
Sukma, Bijapur, Dantewada, Bastar, Narayanpur, Kondagaon, Dhamtari, Balod, Rajnandgaon, Gariaband, Mahasamund, Raipur, Baloda Bazar, Janjgir-Champa, Raigarh, Bilaspur, Korba, Jashpur, Gaurela-Pendra-Marwahi, Durg, Bemetara, Kabirdham, Mungeli, Surguja, Surajpur, Korea, and Balrampur.
On Wednesday afternoon, scattered light rain was observed in parts of Raipur amid ongoing heat, while on Tuesday, heavy rainfall in Ambikapur created near-flood situations in several localities due to swollen rivers and streams.
In the past 24 hours alone, the state recorded over 460 mm of rainfall, with Suhela receiving the highest at 60 mm.
Temperature readings showed the highest maximum temperature of 36.3°C and the lowest minimum of 23.4°C, both at Pendra Road.
Rainfall intensity has varied over the past six days:
- Friday: More than 30 localities recorded rain
- Saturday: Only 12 areas
- Sunday: Over 50 areas
- Monday: Just 17 areas
- Tuesday: At least 27 locations received a minimum of 10 mm rainfall
Temperature changes have remained relatively stable over the last two days.
On May 25, the maximum temperature was **34.
