The India Meteorological Department’s Ranchi office has issued a yellow alert for thunderstorms, lightning and gusty winds of 30-40 kmph across parts of Jharkhand from October 11 to 13, just as pandal construction, lighting installation and other Durga Puja preparations enter their final phase.
The weather warning covers different districts on different days. On October 11, thunderstorms, lightning and gusty winds are expected at isolated places in northeastern and southeastern Jharkhand. On October 12, the alert extends to northwestern, central and southeastern areas, including Hazaribag, Ramgarh, Lohardaga, Gumla, Ranchi and Khunti.
Similar conditions are likely on October 13 in northwestern and central parts of the state, including Hazaribag, Ramgarh, Lohardaga and Ranchi, according to the Met office. The forecast places temporary festival structures, outdoor electrical installations and public gatherings under a period of heightened weather sensitivity while preparations continue across towns and cities.
Baburaj PP, head of the IMD’s Ranchi office, said the southwest monsoon had begun withdrawing from Jharkhand earlier than usual. The monsoon normally starts retreating around October 5 and exits the state by October 10, but this year the withdrawal began on October 3, he said.
The monsoon has already retreated from northwestern districts and parts of central Jharkhand, including Garhwa, Chatra, Palamu, Latehar and Lohardaga, as well as parts of Ranchi, Gumla, Hazaribag and Koderma. Baburaj said prevailing meteorological conditions were favourable for the withdrawal to continue from the remaining parts of the state over the next two to three days.
The weather alert follows rainfall in parts of Jharkhand. Jhinkpani in West Singhbhum recorded the state’s highest rainfall, at 22 mm, in the 24 hours covered by the report. Ranchi recorded a maximum temperature of 27.8°C and a minimum of 19.1°C, the Met office said.
Durga Puja celebrations are scheduled to begin later this week, with construction activity, lighting work and preparations for public gatherings continuing across the state. The IMD’s warning remains in force through October 13, covering the period when many temporary installations are expected to be completed and festival activity begins.
