Raipur | May 20, 2025 — The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a yellow alert for 20 districts in Chhattisgarh, warning of thunderstorms, gusty winds, and scattered showers over the next four days. The changing weather is being attributed to the advancing southwest monsoon, which is expected to intensify over the Bay of Bengal in the next 48 to 72 hours.
According to officials, Raipur and Durg are likely to witness thunderstorm activity and brief but intense rainfall, while Bastar division may see heavy showers in several locations. Monday’s weather report marked Durg as the hottest district, with a maximum temperature of 38°C, followed by Raipur, where the mercury soared to 40.6°C. In contrast, Pendraroad recorded the lowest temperature at 23.6°C.
Monsoon Advances, Weather Set to Shift
Meteorologists note that the southwest monsoon winds, originating from the Indian Ocean and moving in from the southwest, are progressing northwards into the Bay of Bengal. These seasonal winds are critical for India’s agriculture and typically bring widespread rainfall between June and September.
A western disturbance had already been influencing Chhattisgarh’s weather over the past few days, lowering daytime temperatures by up to 5 degrees in several districts. As the monsoon strengthens, its effects are beginning to reflect in the changing weather pattern across central India.
Rainfall Forecast by Region
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Heavy rain likely in: Bijapur, Sukma, Mohla-Manpur, Rajnandgaon, Kabirdham, and Khairagarh
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Scattered rain possible in parts of: Kanker, Dantewada, Kondagaon, Balrampur, and Bastar
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Isolated rain expected in: Manendragarh-Chirmiri-Bharatpur, Korea, Surajpur, Sarguja, Jashpur, GPM (Gaurela-Pendra-Marwahi), and Mungeli
Tragic Lightning Incident in Kabirdham
In a grim turn of events, two people died due to lightning strikes in Kabirdham district on Monday. A local farmer and his wife were attempting to cover their onion crop with tarpaulin during a storm in Singarput village (Pandariya block) when lightning struck. Authorities have urged farmers to avoid open fields during storm warnings and follow weather advisories strictly.
May Thunderstorms: A Recurring Pattern
While recent rains might feel unusual, meteorologists confirm that pre-monsoon showers in May are not uncommon. Strong weather systems, often forming in early May, result in 1–2 cycles of intense rain and dust storms. This pattern typically intensifies after May 25, triggering a more sustained shift in weather.
Historical data shows that Raipur recorded its highest May rainfall in 2021, when 93.2 mm was logged during the month, including 57 mm in just 24 hours on May 10. Experts believe a similar system is currently building, fueled by moisture-rich winds from the sea.
Advisory to Residents
Citizens across Chhattisgarh are advised to:
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Stay indoors during storms and avoid sheltering under trees or in open fields
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Monitor local weather alerts issued by IMD or district disaster authorities
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Farmers should avoid field work during thunderstorm warnings
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Take extra precautions as wind gusts and lightning strikes are expected to accompany rainfall in many areas
The changing weather is expected to offer temporary relief from rising temperatures, though IMD predicts that heat levels may rise again by 4°C after the current monsoon-driven cycle passes.
Bhupendra Singh Chundawat is a seasoned technology journalist with over 22 years of experience in the media industry. He specializes in covering the global technology landscape, with a deep focus on manufacturing trends and the geopolitical impact on tech companies. Currently serving as the Editor at Udaipur Kiran, his insights are shaped by decades of hands-on reporting and editorial leadership in the fast-evolving world of technology.
