Thunderstorm alert issued for entire Jharkhand, rain likely till Sept 20

The weather department has put all 24 districts of Jharkhand under a thunderstorm and lightning alert until September 20.

Light to moderate rain is expected across the state, and some places could see heavy showers during the three days.

Wind speeds of 30 to 40 kmph are anticipated, with southern and central districts most likely to feel the stronger gusts.

Temperatures will stay steady, with highs around 30 to 31 degrees Celsius and a Ranchi minimum near 22 degrees Celsius.

People are advised to stay indoors or in sturdy shelter when lightning is nearby and to keep away from trees and electric poles.

Maximum temperatures are likely to stay around 30 to 31 degrees Celsius, while the minimum in Ranchi is expected near 22 degrees Celsius.

Light to moderate rainfall is forecast across the state, with heavy showers possible at several locations during the three-day period.

Residents are advised to avoid standing in open fields, under trees or near electric poles while thunderstorms and lightning are active.

Farmers and outdoor workers have been urged to take shelter in sturdy buildings when lightning is seen or thunder is heard.

Ranchi recorded about 18 mm of rain on Tuesday, according to reported weather data, while Simdega logged 5 mm and Deoghar 3 mm.

The rainy spell arrives as the southwest monsoon begins its gradual withdrawal phase across India, though active weather can persist in the east for days.

The plateau districts around Ranchi, Khunti, Gumla, Simdega and Lohardaga are likely to feel relatively pleasant because of cloud cover and rain.

Lightning is a leading cause of weather-related deaths in Jharkhand, which is why the meteorological office repeats safety advice during every thunderstorm alert.

The alert period runs from September 18 to September 20, 2026, and covers every one of Jharkhand’s 24 districts.

Ranchi lake, Jharkhand (representative image), Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0