Heatwave grips Chhattisgarh: UV rays hit ‘extreme’ level, IMD warns 20 districts as mercury soars at 45°C

Raipur: Stepping outdoors in Chhattisgarh has started feeling like walking into a furnace. With temperatures soaring to 45°C and ultraviolet radiation reaching “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.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.The warning comes as central Chhattisgarh continues to bake under relentless dry heat, with the weather office forecasting a further rise of 1°C to 3°C 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, umbrellas shielding them from direct sunlight, while roadside sugarcane juice stalls witnessed long queues as residents desperately searched for relief from the scorching weather.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.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°C, while Ambikapur recorded the lowest minimum temperature at 23.9°C.Raipur remained uncomfortably hot, recording a maximum temperature of 44.2°C — 1.7°C above normal while Bilaspur was at 44°C.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.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.