Raipur
A minor girl died after being struck by lightning in Kondagaon district on Friday, even as the Meteorological Department issued a yellow alert for thunderstorms and lightning in 14 districts of Chhattisgarh. Light showers are also predicted for Jashpur and Koriya.
The 17-year-old girl, identified as Mona Markam from Salebhat village in Bangoli panchayat, Farasgaon, was grazing a calf in her backyard around 6 PM when lightning struck, killing both her and the animal.
The Meteorological Department has forecast an increase in rain activity across the state from Saturday. The monsoon, which had stalled in Bastar for the past few days, is expected to reactivate and advance into some parts of the region. The monsoon will gradually move across the state, bringing rain to one or two places initially before impacting other districts in central and north Chhattisgarh.
A yellow alert for lightning and thunderstorms has been issued for 14 districts, with wind speeds of 50 to 60 kmph expected in these areas. Scattered showers are also likely.
Monsoon expected in Raipur by June 17
If the monsoon advances from Bastar on Saturday, it is expected to reach Raipur by June 16 or June 17. On Friday evening, some parts of Raipur experienced light drizzle due to a local weather system. Earlier, on Tuesday, half an hour of rain led to waterlogging in several areas of the capital, and a blackout situation was reported in the Vidhan Sabha area.
Despite this, there has not been significant rainfall since. Raipur recorded the highest temperature in the state at 39.6°C.
Below average rainfall in June so far
As of now, 27 out of 33 districts (approx. 82%) in Chhattisgarh have received below-average rainfall in June. Only six districts have recorded normal or above-normal rainfall. The state as a whole faces a rainfall deficit of 51%, which is considered below normal. The current weak monsoon conditions could impact Kharif crops if the situation persists.
June rainfall trend
According to the Meteorological Department, this trend is typical for June. The first 10 to 12 days usually see an increase in heat, followed by the activation of the monsoon due to the formation of low-pressure areas or cyclones in the Bay of Bengal or the Arabian Sea. A similar pattern is expected this year. Overall, June has seen a 51% rainfall deficit so far.
Better situation compared to last year
The current situation is better than last year. In 2024, the maximum temperature in June was 45.7°C, recorded on June 1. This year, the maximum temperature has remained around 42 to 43°C. The lowest minimum temperature last year was 23.5°C, recorded on June 19.
The average maximum temperature for the entire month of June last year was 38.6°C, while the average minimum temperature was 27.7°C.
High rainfall in May
Due to continuous weather systems and an early monsoon arrival (about 14 days ahead of schedule), May witnessed heavy rainfall across Chhattisgarh. The state received 373% more rainfall than the average for the month. Since then, the monsoon has remained stagnant for about 12 days and has not advanced further.
Between May 22 and May 28, Chhattisgarh recorded an average of 53.51 mm of rainfall. The state typically receives an average of 1,200 mm of rain during the monsoon season. Last year, 1,276.3 mm of rain was recorded.
Monsoon period could be longer
The normal arrival date for the monsoon in Kerala is June 1. This year, it arrived eight days early, on May 24. The usual withdrawal date for the monsoon is October 15. If it withdraws on schedule this year, the monsoon period will last 145 days. An early arrival can be beneficial if there are no monsoon breaks during this period.
Safety tips during thunderstorms and lightning:
- Seek shelter inside a sturdy building after hearing thunder.
- If no shelter is available, crouch immediately.
- Do not stand under trees.
- Stay away from power lines.
- Avoid using electronic devices.
