Ranchi: India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast heavy rain at a few places and very heavy rain at isolated locations in western Jharkhand on Thursday, raising concerns among traders, who fear inclement weather could hit customer footfall, disrupt roadside markets and leave them struggling to clear festive stocks.Garhwa, Palamu, Latehar, Lohardaga, Gumla and Simdega are likely to be affected. Isolated heavy rain is also expected in central and southern districts, including Seraikela-Kharsawan, East Singhbhum and West Singhbhum, as well as Chatra.Thunderstorms, lightning and gusty winds of 50-60 kmph are likely at isolated places in northwestern, southern and central Jharkhand. Northeastern and adjoining central districts may witness winds of 30-40 kmph. Similar weather conditions have been forecast across the state on Friday.Ranchi trader Anmol Singh said online shopping had affected business during festivals. “Month-end financial pressure has further weakened consumer spending,” he said.Businessman Ajay Kumar Singh said many people had spent heavily during Durga Puja and were now facing financial pressure at the end of the month. With about a week left before the next round of festivals, traders are hoping demand will pick up.Very severe cyclonic storm Arnab crossed the Andhra Pradesh and Yanam coasts between Bapatla and Visakhapatnam on Wednesday. The storm, which had sustained winds of 125-135 kmph and gusts reaching 150 kmph, completed landfall by 8am.Abhishek Anand, scientist and deputy director of Ranchi IMD office, said Arnab was expected to move north-northwestwards and weaken into a cyclonic storm within six hours. It was likely to further weaken into a deep depression over the following six hours.No flight was cancelled or diverted from Birsa Munda Airport in Ranchi due to the effect of the cyclone on Wednesday.
