PINAKI MAJUMDAR
Jamshedpur, Oct 17: With the southwest monsoon officially retreating from the entire country on October 16, Jharkhand is now transitioning into a cooler and drier phase.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast partly cloudy skies and predominantly dry weather across most parts of the state in the coming days, with a gradual fall in night temperatures expected as winter slowly begins to set in.
According to the IMD, the sky is likely to remain partly cloudy over the southern and central parts of Jharkhand on October 17 and 19, while dry weather conditions will prevail across the region.
On October 20, however, there is a possibility of rain or thunderstorms in some parts of the state as a weak system develops in the upper atmosphere.
The IMD further reported that the upper air cyclonic circulation previously hovering over south Bihar and adjoining areas has now shifted to north Jharkhand, at about 3.1 km above mean sea level. This system may influence local weather patterns for the next 24 hours before dissipating.
Meanwhile, the southwest monsoon’s withdrawal marks the official onset of the pre-winter phase, when humidity levels begin to drop and the mercury starts its gradual descent.
Meteorologists suggest that early morning and late-night temperatures may begin to dip significantly after October 20, particularly in districts like Ranchi, Hazaribagh, and Chaibasa.
The northeast monsoon has simultaneously begun over Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, Karaikal, and parts of coastal Andhra Pradesh, Rayalaseema, south interior Karnataka, and Kerala.
With the shifting monsoon pattern, northern and eastern India, including Jharkhand, will now start feeling the initial nip of winter in the coming weeks.
Weather experts predict that this year, winter may arrive earlier than usual, with a marked drop in minimum temperatures expected by the first week of November.
The IMD has advised residents, particularly in rural and hilly areas, to prepare for cooler mornings and evenings, as conditions are likely to turn noticeably crisp by month-end.
Jharkhand’s skies may still display fleeting clouds over the next few days, but the monsoon chapter has officially closed, paving the way for a clear, cool, and refreshing winter ahead.
