The monsoon has finally hit full stride across Jharkhand. Most of the state will stay under heavy cloud cover today, with thundershowers in several areas and gusty winds rattling a number of districts. According to the weather department, rain activity will be strongest over the north-eastern, central and southern parts of the state. The monsoon system will bring welcome relief from the searing heat, but it also raises the risk of lightning strikes and sudden squalls. Rain is likely in 16 districts including Ranchi, Khunti and Ramgarh, while Palamu, Garhwa and Chatra will stay the hottest, with the maximum temperature there expected to climb between 34 and 37 degrees.
The 16 districts in line for rain
Light to moderate rain is forecast today for Ranchi, Khunti, Ramgarh, Hazaribagh, Bokaro, Giridih, Dhanbad, Deoghar, Jamtara, Dumka, Pakur, Sahibganj, Godda, East Singhbhum, West Singhbhum and Seraikela-Kharsawan. A few districts could see one or two spells of heavy showers, and isolated pockets may even record very heavy rain. The downpours are expected to come in scattered bursts, particularly between June 26 and 27.
Yellow alert and a warning of fierce winds
The Ranchi weather centre has flagged the chance of thunderstorms, lightning and winds blowing at 40 to 50 kilometres per hour across several parts of the state. People in Ranchi, Ramgarh, Bokaro, Dhanbad, Khunti, Hazaribagh, Giridih, East Singhbhum and Seraikela-Kharsawan have been asked to stay especially alert. Residents have been urged to avoid standing in open fields or near trees and electric poles, to guard against lightning accidents.
Where the heat will still bite
The rain will not bring relief to every corner of the state. Parts of Palamu, Garhwa and Chatra may continue to swelter under humid heat, with the maximum temperature there expected to range between 34 and 37 degrees Celsius today. Jamshedpur and its surrounding areas are also likely to see relatively higher readings.
Where the weather turns most pleasant
At the other end of the scale, a few areas will enjoy delightful conditions. The hilly and forested stretches of Ranchi, Netarhat, Khunti, Simdega and West Singhbhum will see the most pleasant weather today. With clouds, light rain and cool breezes, the temperature there could hold between 26 and 30 degrees Celsius. In these districts the mix of rain and cloud will sharply ease the heat, offering people a real break.
Where it rained in the past 24 hours
Scattered rain was also recorded across several Jharkhand districts over the past 24 hours. East Singhbhum, Seraikela-Kharsawan, Dhanbad, Deoghar, Dumka and the surrounding areas saw light to moderate showers. In many places, thundershowers pulled the temperature down and gave people noticeable relief from the humidity.
