IMD Issues Yellow Alert for Jharkhand During Chhath, Rain May Disrupt Festivities
Thunderstorms and light to moderate rainfall likely on October 26–27; weather to remain clear till October 24 before cloud cover increases across southern and eastern districts.
As preparations for the grand Chhath Mahaparv gain momentum across Jharkhand following Diwali, the latest weather forecast has brought a note of concern for devotees and farmers alike. The Meteorological Department has issued a yellow alert for thunderstorms accompanied by light to moderate rainfall during the festival period.
According to the IMD office, the weather across the state will remain dry for the next two days, but light showers or drizzle are likely after October 25.
A low-pressure area forming over the southern Andaman Sea is moving towards Tamil Nadu, and its associated cloud bands are expected to influence Jharkhand’s southern and eastern districts including Jamshedpur, Seraikela, Chaibasa, and Simdega where intermittent drizzle and cloudy conditions may prevail.
The department added that October 23 and 24 will witness clear skies and pleasant weather across the state, with mild sunshine during the day. However, from October 25 onwards, cloud cover will gradually increase, signalling a shift in weather conditions.
On Tuesday, Palamu’s Daltonganj recorded the state’s highest temperature at 34.6°C, while Latehar reported the lowest at 16.5°C. In the capital Ranchi, the maximum and minimum temperatures were 30.7°C and 19.6°C respectively.
A yellow alert has been issued for October 26 and 27, warning of cloudy skies and thunder with light to moderate rainfall in several districts. The rainfall may coincide with the main Chhath rituals, potentially disrupting festival arrangements along riverbanks and water bodies.
The weather office has also advised farmers to take precautionary measures to protect standing crops from possible rain and wind damage. A slight dip of 1–2°C in minimum temperature is expected, bringing a touch of chill to mornings and evenings.
In the northwestern districts, including Koderma, Chatra, Garhwa, Latehar, and Palamu maximum temperatures are likely to remain between 32°C and 34°C, while central and southern districts may record temperatures ranging from 31°C to 34°C, offering some respite from the recent heat.