Jamshedpur: The weather department has predicted spells of rain during the upcoming Durga Puja festivities in Jharkhand, as monsoon activity has once again picked up across the state. According to Abhishek Anand, Director of the Ranchi Meteorological Centre, chances of rainfall will persist throughout the festival period.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has indicated that two new low-pressure areas are likely to form over the Bay of Bengal, which could influence Jharkhand’s weather. A fresh system is expected to develop after September 15, bringing light to heavy rain during the Puja. The monsoon, which usually withdraws earlier, is also likely to remain active till October 15 this year.
Although August recorded below-average rainfall — only 251.5 mm against the normal 290.6 mm (a deficit of 13%) — the IMD expects better showers in September. “If we get three to four days of good rain, the monthly average of 212.3 mm will be met easily,” officials said.
Currently, a system developing over the northern and central Bay of Bengal is likely to move through Odisha and impact Jharkhand. As a result, cloudy skies and scattered light to moderate rainfall are expected from September 2 to 5, with heavy showers likely in southern and central districts on September 2. Winds may also reach speeds of 30–40 kmph during this spell.
Over the past five years, Jharkhand has seen significant variation in September rainfall — from a low of 118.1 mm in 2020 (44% deficit) to a high of 333.1 mm in 2024 (57% excess). However, this August’s 251.5 mm was the lowest for the month in the last five years, compared to a peak of 598.2 mm in 2022.
