The weather in Jharkhand has taken a turn once again. While heavy rain accompanied by thunderstorms across 20 districts over the past 24 hours brought much-needed relief from the intense heat, weather scientists have warned of a significant temperature increase in the next 48 hours. In the state capital, Ranchi, the rain, which started Monday morning with thundering clouds and heavy showers, created a pleasant atmosphere, but this respite is unlikely to last.
According to the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) Ranchi center, the mercury is expected to rise by up to three degrees Celsius immediately after the rainfall. This means that while people are hoping for some relief from the humidity and sticky heat, this temporary coolness signals the return of hot winds and intense sunshine.
Where did the rain fall?
The northern and central regions of the state were most affected. The districts that experienced heavy rain and b winds include:
- Ranchi
- Bokaro
- Dhanbad
- Hazaribagh
- Gumla
- Chaibasa (West Singhbhum)
- Lohardaga
- Ramgarh
- Deoghar
- Godda
- Dumka
Winds in these areas reached speeds of 40 to 60 kilometers per hour. There were reports of fallen trees, disrupted power supply, and traffic obstructions in several places. Rural areas experienced damage to mud houses, although the administration has not confirmed any loss of life.
Ranchi's landscape transformed in the early morning
Around 5 am in Ranchi, dark clouds gathered in the sky, and rain began to fall with b winds. The rain continued for about 45 minutes, causing a drop in temperature. People were seen feeling relieved from the heat, especially students and office-goers. However, according to the meteorological department, this coolness is temporary. Once the rain stops, the sky will clear, and the temperature could jump by up to 3 degrees Celsius with the return of sunshine.
Weather Department Warning
Dr. Vinod Kumar, a senior meteorologist at the IMD Ranchi center, explained that this is a localized weather change known as pre-monsoon activity. He stated that there is a possibility of light rain in the mornings and evenings for the next 2-3 days, but daytime temperatures will increase sharply. He also warned that humidity will increase in the districts that have recently experienced rain, potentially leading to heatstroke and dehydration.
Mixed impact on farmers of summer crops
This rainfall has had a mixed impact on farmers cultivating summer crops. Strong winds in some areas damaged standing crops, while in others, the rain provided much-needed soil moisture, beneficial for preparing for sowing. Rameshwar Mahato, a farmer from Ranchi district, stated, “The rain is good, but if the intense sun comes now, the seeds may be damaged. The government should advise us on what to do.”
The State Disaster Management Department has put all districts on high alert. The Jharkhand State Electricity Distribution Company has stated that the storm caused damage to power lines, which are being restored. People have been urged to avoid standing under trees and stay away from electricity poles during inclement weather.
