Ranchi lake, Jharkhand (representative image), Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
A rain and lightning alert is in force for all 24 districts of Jharkhand between September 18 and September 20.
The forecast calls for light to moderate rainfall, with heavy showers possible at scattered locations across the state.
Strong winds of 30 to 40 kmph may accompany thunderstorms, particularly in the south and centre of the state.
Maximum temperatures are expected to remain between 30 and 31 degrees Celsius, with little change through the alert window.
Residents have been asked to avoid open fields, trees and electricity poles during thunder and lightning.
Giridih, Dhanbad, Saraikela-Kharsawan, East Singhbhum, West Singhbhum, Deoghar, Dumka, Jamtara, Sahibganj, Pakur and Godda are also covered by the alert.
Wind gusts of 30 to 40 kmph are expected, particularly across southern and central Jharkhand, during thunderstorm activity.
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.
Ranchi lake, Jharkhand (representative image), Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
