Archive · 29 Aug 2026
Eleven Jharkhand Districts Face Rainfall Deficit, Pakur Worst Hit
Some parts of Jharkhand have received less rain than usual this year.
Eleven of the state’s 24 districts have rainfall shortages above the normal limit.
Pakur has the biggest shortage, with 54 per cent less rain than expected.
Overall, Jharkhand is 10 per cent below its usual rainfall, which is still considered normal by weather officials.
Other districts, including West Singhbhum, received more rain than usual.
Officials said rainfall has been uneven across the state.
They attributed this to El Niño and local weather conditions.
The southern districts generally receive more rain because they are closer to the Bay of Bengal.
More rain is expected across Jharkhand through September 5.
Eleven of Jharkhand’s 24 districts have rainfall deficits exceeding 19 per cent.
Pakur recorded the highest shortfall at 54 per cent, receiving 408.3 mm against a normal 878.2 mm.
Jharkhand received 698 mm of rain from June 1 to August 28, compared with the normal 778.3 mm.
Six districts recorded surplus rainfall, led by West Singhbhum with 42 per cent above normal.
The weather office forecast good rainfall through September 5 and issued a yellow warning for August 29 to September 1.
- Who
- Eleven of Jharkhand’s 24 districts, with Pakur recording the largest deficit; the Ranchi Meteorological Centre provided the assessment.
- What
- Jharkhand recorded an overall 10 per cent rainfall deficiency, while 11 districts had deficits above 19 per cent.
- When
- The figures cover June 1 through August 28; the report was issued on August 29, with forecasts through September 5.
- Where
- Jharkhand, India, particularly the northeastern district of Pakur.
- Why
- Officials attributed the uneven rainfall distribution to factors including El Niño and local weather phenomena.
- Overall state deficiency
- 10 per cent, classified as normal because deviations up to 19 per cent are considered normal.
- State rainfall received
- 698 mm from June 1 to August 28.
- Normal state rainfall
- 778.3 mm for the same period.
- Worst-affected district
- Pakur, with a 54 per cent deficit.
- Pakur rainfall
- 408.3 mm received against a normal 878.2 mm.
- Surplus leader
- West Singhbhum, with 42 per cent more rainfall than normal.
- Forecast
- Good rainfall is expected over Jharkhand through September 5.
- Weather warning
- A yellow warning was issued for isolated thunderstorms, lightning and heavy rainfall from August 29 to September 1.