Rain Lashes Jharkhand, Yellow Alert Issued for Four Districts

Parts of Jharkhand have been lashed by light to moderate rainfall since early Tuesday, with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) issuing a yellow alert for potential heavy showers in four districts. The alert, signaling the need for preparedness, covers East Singhbhum, West Singhbhum, Simdega, and Seraikela-Kharsawan until 8:30 a.m. on Wednesday. Ranchi, the state capital, has experienced intermittent rains throughout the morning, contributing to the ongoing monsoon activity typical for this eastern Indian state during late September. Such weather patterns often disrupt daily life, agriculture, and transportation in the region.

The IMD has extended warnings for subsequent periods, forecasting continued inclement conditions. A yellow alert will be in effect for seven districts—East Singhbhum, West Singhbhum, Simdega, Seraikela-Kharsawan, Khunti, Ranchi, and Gumla—from 8:30 a.m. on September 24 to 8:30 a.m. on September 25. This will be followed by alerts for six districts from 8:30 a.m. on September 25 to 8:30 a.m. on September 26, though specific districts for the latter were not detailed in the update. These alerts come amid Jharkhand's monsoon season, which typically peaks from June to September and is influenced by systems from the Bay of Bengal.

Deputy Director at the Ranchi Meteorological Centre, Abhishek Anand, attributed the weather to a low-pressure system over the Bay of Bengal, expecting light to moderate rains with heavy spells in southern and central pockets over the next three days. Widespread rainfall is anticipated statewide on September 25, potentially exacerbating flooding risks in low-lying areas. Anand noted that a fresh low-pressure system may form around that date but is unlikely to significantly impact Jharkhand. The intensity in Ranchi is projected to increase by Wednesday, urging residents to monitor updates from the IMD.

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Jharkhand has recorded an 18% surplus rainfall from June 1 to September 22, with 1,143 mm received against a normal of 970 mm. East Singhbhum led with a 53% surplus, followed by Seraikela-Kharsawan at 48% and Ranchi at 46%. However, Pakur district faced a 28% deficit, highlighting uneven distribution. This surplus aligns with broader trends in India's 2025 monsoon, which has been above average in many eastern states, boosting reservoirs but raising concerns over urban flooding and crop damage in vulnerable areas.

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