Rain, thunderstorms likelytoday; temp may soar later

Chhattisgarh is likely to witness light rain, thunderstorms, gusty winds, and lightning at isolated places on Saturday due to multiple weather systems active over the Bay of Bengal and central India. No major change in temperatures is expected immediately, but the mercury is likely to rise across the state from May 17 onward.

Meanwhile, the southwest monsoon is expected to reach the Kerala coast by May 26. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has indicated that the monsoon is likely to arrive around May 26, raising expectations for the onset of the rainy season across the country.

According to the weather department, a well-marked low-pressure area persists over the southwest Bay of Bengal and the adjoining west-central Bay of Bengal. An upper-air cyclonic circulation associated with the system extends up to 5.8 km above mean sea level.

Meteorologists also noted a western disturbance near 60°E and 28°N. In addition, an upper-air cyclonic circulation lies over east Madhya Pradesh and adjoining areas, extending up to 0.9 km above mean sea level.

An east-west trough is active from west Madhya Pradesh to north Bangladesh, passing through east Madhya Pradesh, southeast Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and sub-Himalayan West Bengal at an altitude of 0.9 km.

Under the influence of these systems, Chhattisgarh is likely to witness light rainfall or thundershowers at isolated places on May 16. The department has also forecast thunderstorms accompanied by gusty winds and lightning at one or two places in the state.

Officials said there is no likelihood of any significant change in the maximum temperature over the next 24 hours. However, temperatures are expected to rise across the state from May 17 onward.