If the weathermen have it right again, Jharkhand, particularly its north-western and central parts, may get surprise showers after the next 72 hours even as sub-10 chill was prevailing in some isolated pockets of the state on Saturday.

According to IMD offices in Patna and Ranchi, an approaching western disturbance in lower latitudes would impact the weather in Jharkhand and neighbouring Bihar around December 28, Tuesday, bringing about light unseasonal rainfall that would, in turn, jack up night temperatures.

"A passing western disturbance in the north is expected to result in an induced cyclonic circulation over southeast Uttar Pradesh extending 1.5 km above the mean sea level. Under its influence, cloud cover and rainfall are expected at several places in the state especially north western and central parts from Tuesday," said Abhishek Anand, head of Ranchi Meteorological Centre.

Corroborating this, another official at Patna Meteorological Centre added that the impact of the western disturbance was expected to remain for three days from Tuesday.

"The system will result in moisture incursion into the atmosphere. Clouds will automatically push up minimum readings," he added.

Meanwhile, dry weather prevailed over Jharkhand during the past 24 hours with dominating westerly winds.

Shallow fog resulted in poor visibility on Saturday morning at several places, especially those located in high terrains.

Daltonganj on Saturday recorded the state's lowest minimum temperature 8.0°C.

Ranchi recorded a minimum temperature of 10.2°C, one notch above normal on Saturday, while steel city Jamshedpur recorded a minimum temperature of 10.4°C, two notches below normal.

Bokaro recorded 8.5°C, three notch below normal while Hazaribagh recorded 9°C, two notches below normal.

Chaibasa in adjoining West Singhbhum district recorded a minimum reading of 11.2°C, one notch below normal.

Most districts in the Santhal Pargana region, including Dumka and Pakur recorded a minimum reading above 11 °C on Saturday.