Climate of Chhattisgarh
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The climate of Chhattisgarh is a tropical monsoon climate, consisting mainly of a tropical wet and dry climate (Aw) in the central plains and southern plateau, and a humid subtropical climate (Cwa) in the northern hilly regions. The state's landlocked position in Central India causes it to have a predominantly single climate pattern with regional variations influenced by its varied topography—from the edges of the Indo-Gangetic Plain in the north to the Deccan Plateau fringes in the south.
With temperatures fluctuating from 0 °C or 32 °F to 49 °C or 120 °F in several parts of the state and seasonal monsoon rains, the summers are extremely hot, the winters are pleasant to cold, and the rainy season is generally very wet due to the influence of the Bay of Bengal branch of the monsoon.
The climate of Chhattisgarh is generally defined to be tropical monsoon.[1] However, based on the Köppen climate classification, it can be classified mostly as tropical wet and dry (Aw) type with the northern hilly regions marked as humid subtropical with dry winter (Cwa).
Given significant geographical differences, Chhattisgarh is divided into three agro-climatic zones: the Bastar Plateau, the Chhattisgarh Plains, and the Northern Hilly Region.[2]
Seasons
According to the India Meteorological Department, Chhattisgarh has three predominant seasons.[1]
The retreating monsoon season, occurring in October and November, marks the transition from the rainy season to winter, often accompanied by clear skies and decreasing humidity. Occasional mild showers are experienced in winter due to western disturbances.[3]
Summer
Summer lasts from March to May. It is hot and dry, and temperatures in the central plains rise to 45 °C or 113 °F, with record highs reaching 48 or 49 °C or 118.4 or 120.2 °F in districts like Bilaspur.[4] The relative humidity is low, and hot winds known as loo are common.
Monsoon
The monsoon season lasts from June to September. It accounts for nearly 90 per cent of the average annual rainfall. The arrival of the monsoon brings relief from the summer heat, though humidity levels rise significantly.
Winter
Winter lasts from November to February. Morning temperatures in the northern plateau (e.g., Mainpat) can drop to 0 to 2 °C or 32.0 to 35.6 °F, and sometimes drop below freezing.[5] The skies are generally clear with occasional foggy conditions in the morning.
Temperature
Temperature varies from 0 to 49 °C (32.0 to 120.2 °F).[4] Such a wide range of temperature fluctuations leads to seasonal heat waves and cold waves.
Heat waves
The central plains, particularly Bilaspur and Raigarh, are prone to severe heat waves. In 2017, Bilaspur recorded an all-time high of 49.3 °C or 120.7 °F.[4] These waves often cause water shortages and health risks.
Cold waves
In recent years, northern districts like Surguja have experienced severe cold waves. In January 2026, temperatures as low as 3.5 °C or 38.3 °F were recorded in Ambikapur.[6] Mainpat, often called the "Shimla of Chhattisgarh," frequently sees sub-zero temperatures.
Precipitation
Chhattisgarh receives significant rainfall, predominantly from the southwest monsoon. The rainfall type is mainly orographic in the hilly regions and convectional in the plains.[1]
Rain
The Bay of Bengal branch of the Indian Monsoon is the primary source of rain. The state receives an annual average rainfall of approximately 1,292 mm. The southern Bastar region and the northern Abujmarh area receive the highest rainfall, sometimes exceeding 1,500 mm.
Floods
Floods occur periodically due to the overflowing of major rivers like the Mahanadi, Indravati, and Hasdeo. Heavy monsoon spells in the catchment areas of these rivers can cause severe inundation in low-lying areas.
Droughts
Variability in monsoon arrival can lead to droughts, particularly in the rain-shadow areas of the Maikal Hills (e.g., Kawardha) and parts of the central plains.
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