Jharkhand May receive scattered rain from Tuesday: IMD

After prolonged dry spell, Jharkhand may witness scattered rain from Tuesday, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) said. The pre-monsoon showers (rain appeared between March and May) will continue till March 10.

Thundershowers coupled with wind gusts of 30-40 kmph may occur in some areas on March 8, when the state celebrates the Holi festival, said Abhishek Anand, in-charge of the Ranchi Meteorological Centre. Jharkhand has been facing 100 percent rain deficit in the last three months.

"A pre-monsoon system is active over Jharkhand due to which the state may experience spells of scattered rain associated with lightning till March 10. Light rainfall is likely over western parts of the state on March 7," he said. "Scattered thunderstorms are expected over most parts of the state on March 8. Surface winds with gusts of 30-40 kmph are also likely to occur in some pockets on that day. However, this may not dampen the spirits of Holi," he said.

Rainfall may occur in the northeast, south and central parts of the state on March 9 and 10, he said, adding that showers may cause the temperature to drop by one to two degrees Celsius.

The maximum temperature in Jharkhand was two to four degrees Celsius above normal. Jamshedpur is hovering around 37 degrees Celsius, about four degrees above normal, while Ranchi recorded 32 degrees Celsius, about three degrees above normal.