Thu Jun 12 01:10:00 UTC 2025: Okay, here’s a news article summarizing and rewriting the provided text:

**Chhattisgarh Braces for Monsoon Surge as Rainfall Expected to Intensify**

**Raipur, Chhattisgarh** – Chhattisgarh is anticipating a surge in monsoon activity over the next few days, according to the Meteorological Department. While the monsoon has been slow to gain momentum in the state, forecasters predict a significant increase in rainfall starting today.

In response to the expected intensification, the weather department has issued a yellow alert for 16 districts and an orange alert for 4 districts. Residents in these regions are advised to prepare for strong winds reaching speeds of 50-60 kmph, lightning strikes, and heavy downpours.

The monsoon, which had stalled in the Bastar region, is now expected to advance further inland within the next two days. Favorable conditions are developing, raising hopes that the monsoon will reach Raipur by June 16th or 17th. Recent rainfall in areas like Raipur, which caused waterlogging in parts of the city, including near the Vidhan Sabha, is currently attributed to local weather systems. A powerful windstorm resulted in power outages for several hours in Avanti Vihar after a tin shed was blown onto a transformer.

Despite anticipation, rainfall across the state has been below average thus far in June. As many as 27 out of 33 districts have reported below-normal rainfall. The state is experiencing an average rainfall deficit of 51% overall.

“The current situation is normal for the start of June, which often sees a 10-12 day period of hot and dry conditions before the monsoon truly establishes itself,” a meteorological official explained.

However, experts warn that continued rainfall deficits could adversely affect the sowing and yield of Kharif crops. Farmers are anxiously awaiting the full activation of the monsoon.

Despite lower rainfall, the mercury in June 2024 has remained slightly lower compared to the previous year. The maximum temperature recorded this year was between 42 and 43°C, a drop compared to June 1st, 2024 (45.7°C). The minimum temperature recorded was 23.5°C on June 19th.

Earlier in May, pre-monsoon rainfall had been significantly higher, with a 374% surplus recorded between May 22nd and 28th, averaging 53.51 mm. However, the pace of the monsoon has slowed down, leading to drier conditions in most areas of the state.

This year, the monsoon arrived in Kerala eight days ahead of schedule on May 24th. If the monsoon retreats as per schedule around October 15th, the total duration of the monsoon season could be 145 days. An early arrival followed by regular rains could be beneficial for agriculture and water levels throughout the state.

**Safety Advisory:**

The weather department urges citizens to take the following precautions during thunderstorms:

* Seek shelter in a permanent building or designated safe area immediately.
* Avoid standing under trees or near electric poles.
* Refrain from using electronic devices.
* If caught outdoors, crouch low to the ground and avoid lying down.

While the monsoon is gradually approaching Chhattisgarh, the current rainfall situation remains a cause for concern. It is hoped that the monsoon will intensify in the next two to three days, bringing relief to farmers and the general public alike.

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