City set to touch 44°C as heatwave returns

Raipur: Chhattisgarh is set for another spell of intense summer conditions from April 22, with the India Meteorological Department warning of rising temperatures, dry weather and warm nights over the next few days despite a brief dip.Maximum temperatures across districts reflected widespread heat conditions, with Bilaspur emerging as the hottest at 43°C, followed by Rajnandgaon at 42.5°C and Durg at 41.8°C. Raipur recorded around 41°C. The Met office said there had been a 1-2 degree Celsius fall in maximum temperatures over the region during the past 24 hours, and a similar fall is likely over central Chhattisgarh in the next 24 hours. But that dip may be brief. Thereafter, temperatures are expected to rise by 2-3 degrees across the state, setting the stage for a renewed spell of intense heat.IMD has forecast dry weather across the region, while warning that heatwave and warm night conditions are likely at isolated pockets. In Raipur city, the local forecast for April 22 says both heatwave and warm night conditions are likely, with the maximum and minimum temperatures expected to hover around 44°C and 30°C respectively.The synoptic situation behind the weather pattern includes an upper air cyclonic circulation over north Chhattisgarh and adjoining areas at 0.9 km above mean sea level. Meanwhile, very light rain occurred at isolated places in the state on Tuesday, though there were no significant rainfall figures. Residents have been advised to avoid prolonged exposure during afternoon hours, stay hydrated and take precautions against heat stress as the state heads into another harsh stretch of summer.