Stepping outdoors in Chhattisgarh has become akin to walking into a furnace as temperatures soar to 45 degrees Celsius and ultraviolet radiation reaches extreme levels by noon. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a heatwave warning for 20 districts across the state, cautioning residents against venturing out during peak afternoon hours.
Heatwave Alert for 20 Districts
The latest alert from the Meteorological Centre warned that isolated pockets of Bilaspur, Raigarh, Sarangarh-Bilaigarh, Sakti, Mungeli, Janjgir-Champa, Baloda Bazar, Raipur, Dhamtari, Durg, Bemetara, Kabirdham, Khairagarh-Chhuikhadan-Gandai and Rajnandgaon are likely to experience heatwave conditions till Sunday. Korba, Gariyaband, Mahasamund, Balod and Mohla-Manpur-Ambagarh Chowki are also on the watchlist.
Temperature Rise Expected
The warning comes as central Chhattisgarh continues to bake under relentless dry heat, with the weather office forecasting a further rise of 1 to 3 degrees Celsius in maximum temperatures over the next four days. By Friday afternoon, the heat had already altered daily life across several cities. People were seen stepping out with scarves wrapped around their faces and umbrellas shielding them from direct sunlight, while roadside sugarcane juice stalls witnessed long queues as residents desperately searched for relief from the scorching weather.
UV Radiation at Extreme Levels
Weather officials have issued an unusually sharp warning over ultraviolet exposure, especially between 11 am and 12 noon, when UV intensity is expected to touch the extreme category. According to weather projections, UV intensity may rise from level 1 at 8 am to level 5 by 9 am, before sharply climbing to level 9 around 10 am. Between 11 am and noon, it is expected to peak at level 11, considered extremely dangerous for direct exposure.
Hottest Cities in Chhattisgarh
The weather bulletin stated that dry weather prevailed across Chhattisgarh and there was no major change in maximum temperatures. Durg was the hottest in the state at 44.8 degrees Celsius, while Ambikapur recorded the lowest minimum temperature at 23.9 degrees Celsius. Raipur remained uncomfortably hot, recording a maximum temperature of 44.2 degrees Celsius, which is 1.7 degrees above normal, while Bilaspur was at 44 degrees Celsius.
No Immediate Rain Relief
The IMD said an upper-air cyclonic circulation over interior Odisha and a trough passing across east Uttar Pradesh and Chhattisgarh are persisting, but these systems are unlikely to bring immediate rain relief. Significant rainfall over the state was nil.
Health Advisory
The IMD has advised residents to avoid unnecessary exposure to sunlight between noon and 4 pm, drink plenty of fluids, wear light cotton clothing and remain alert for symptoms of heatstroke. Anyone affected by heat illness should immediately be moved to a cool place, cooled with wet cloths and given water while seeking medical attention. Health experts warned that even a few minutes under direct sunlight during peak UV hours could trigger sunburn, eye irritation, dehydration and heatstroke.
