Yellow alert for heavy rain in nine Jharkhand districts during Dussehra

Ranchi: IMD issues yellow alert ahead of Dussehra

The Ranchi office of the India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Monday issued a yellow alert for heavy rain across nine districts in north-eastern and central Jharkhand during the Dussehra celebrations on October 2 and 3. The alert comes as preparations are underway for large-scale festivities, including Durga Puja pandals and Ravan Dahan events.

“An upper air cyclonic circulation is likely to emerge into the north Andaman Sea on Tuesday. Under its influence, a low-pressure area is likely to form over the north and adjoining central Bay of Bengal around Wednesday. Nine districts are likely to experience heavy rain on October 2 and 3,” said Satish Chandra Mandal, scientist at Ranchi IMD.

District-wise rainfall forecast

The yellow alert has been issued for the following districts:

• October 2: Bokaro, Dhanbad, Giridih, Jamtara, Deoghar, Dumka, Pakur, Godda, Sahibganj
• October 3: Giridih, Jamtara, Deoghar, Dumka, Pakur, Godda, Sahibganj

The IMD also cautioned that thunderstorms and lightning activities accompanied by gusty winds of up to 30-40 kmph are likely at isolated locations. Low to medium rainfall is expected over vast areas of the state during this period.

Concerns for festival celebrations

The forecast has raised concerns among organisers of Durga Puja pandals and Dussehra processions. Large crowds are expected at the events, and incessant rain could affect attendance and disrupt arrangements.

“We have constructed waterproof covers and temporary sheds at the pandal. But managing the crowd will be a challenge if it rains heavily during the main events,” said an organiser of a Durga Puja committee in Ranchi.

Officials have urged organisers and the public to remain cautious and make necessary arrangements to avoid disruptions due to adverse weather.

Temperature trend across the state

Alongside rainfall, the IMD noted a temperature variation across Jharkhand in the coming days. The maximum temperature is likely to rise by 2-3°C in the next two days, before dropping by 3-4°C over the subsequent three days.

On Monday, Ranchi recorded a maximum temperature of 31.8°C, while Jamshedpur recorded 33.6°C, Daltonganj 34.6°C, Bokaro 34.5°C, Chaibasa 34.4°C, and Pakur 37.1°C, the highest maximum temperature in the state.

Conclusion

The IMD’s yellow alert serves as a precautionary measure for residents and festival-goers across Jharkhand. While preparations for Dussehra and Durga Puja continue, authorities and organisers are advised to prioritise safety and crowd management to minimise the impact of heavy rains.