Raipur, October 8 (Udaipur Kiran): The Meteorological Department has issued an alert for heavy rainfall accompanied by lightning across several districts of Chhattisgarh, including Raipur, Rajnandgaon, and Balrampur. The department has advised residents to remain cautious as thunderstorms and lightning are expected in most parts of the state.

According to the forecast, heavy rain is likely in Raipur, Rajnandgaon, Balrampur, Korea, Surajpur, Surguja, Manendragarh, Bilaspur, Kanker, Narayanpur, Kondagaon, Bastar, Dantewada, Sukma, Bijapur, and Jashpur. Many other districts may also experience rain with thunder and lightning.

In the capital Raipur, the weather is expected to remain pleasant today. Light to moderate rainfall along with thunderstorm activity is likely to continue across most regions over the next three days. However, from October 10 onwards, rainfall and thunderstorm activity may reduce in parts of North Chhattisgarh.

Over the past 24 hours, Jagdalpur recorded the highest maximum temperature at 32.2°C, while Durg recorded the lowest at 20.6°C. Rainfall has brought a slight dip in temperatures.

Recent rainfall data shows 5 cm rain in Dabhra, Pusaur, and Chal; 3 cm in Champa, Pamgarh, Lormi, Chandrapur, and Bamhanidih; and 2 cm in Durgkondal, Pipariya, Bilha, Kashdol, Jaijaipur, Kharsia, and Pithora. Meanwhile, Narayanpur and Farsgaon recorded 60 mm, Hardibazar 50 mm, Mungeli, Mana-Raipur, and Devbhog 40 mm, and Raipur, Nagri, and Rajim received up to 30 mm rainfall.

Meteorologists attributed the rainfall to the withdrawal line of the southwest monsoon currently passing through Veraval, Bharuch, Ujjain, Jhansi, and Shahjahanpur. Additionally, a cyclonic circulation is active over northeastern Jharkhand, while a trough extends from northern coastal Odisha to southern Chhattisgarh.

The Raipur Meteorological Centre has issued a warning for possible lightning and thunder on Wednesday, October 8, urging people to take necessary precautions and avoid open areas during thunderstorms.