Ranchi lake, Jharkhand (representative image), Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Jharkhand weather update: Rain and lightning warning till September 20
The IMD has issued a thunderstorm and lightning alert for all 24 districts of Jharkhand from September 18 to 20, with light to moderate rain, gusts up to 40 kmph and maximum temperatures near 30-31 degrees Celsius.
A rain and lightning warning has been issued for the whole of Jharkhand, covering all 24 districts from September 18 to September 20.
Light to moderate showers are likely, with the possibility of heavy rain at a few places during the period.
Gusts of up to 40 kmph are expected, mostly over southern and central parts of the state.
Maximum temperatures should remain around 30 to 31 degrees Celsius, with Ranchi’s minimum close to 22 degrees Celsius.
Residents have been told to avoid open areas, trees and electric poles while thunderstorms are under way.
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.
Districts named in the alert include Ranchi, Khunti, Gumla, Simdega, Lohardaga, Latehar, Palamu, Garhwa, Chatra, Hazaribagh, Koderma, Ramgarh and Bokaro.
Giridih, Dhanbad, Saraikela-Kharsawan, East Singhbhum, West Singhbhum, Deoghar, Dumka, Jamtara, Sahibganj, Pakur and Godda are also covered by the alert.
Ranchi lake, Jharkhand (representative image), Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0