Stepping outdoors in Chhattisgarh has begun to feel like entering a furnace. With Rajnandgaon recording the highest temperature in the state at 46 degrees Celsius and ultraviolet radiation expected to reach 'extreme' levels by noon, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a heatwave warning for 20 districts, advising residents to avoid venturing out during peak afternoon hours.
Heatwave Warning 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 until Sunday. Additionally, 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. The weather office has forecast 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 sought relief from the scorching weather.
Extreme UV Levels Warning
Weather officials have issued an unusually sharp warning over ultraviolet exposure, especially between 11 am and 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.
Current Temperature Readings
The weather bulletin stated that dry conditions prevailed across Chhattisgarh, with no major change in maximum temperatures. Raipur recorded 44.2 degrees Celsius, around 1.7 degrees above normal, while Bilaspur touched 44 degrees Celsius. 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.
Advisory for Residents
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.
