Rainfall deficit raises drought concerns in Jharkhand
Jamshedpur, June 23: Even as the Southwest Monsoon has formally advanced into Jharkhand, the state continues to face a sharp rainfall deficit,…
Jamshedpur, June 23: Even as the Southwest Monsoon has formally advanced into Jharkhand, the state continues to face a sharp rainfall deficit, raising concerns over a possible drought-like situation in several districts ahead of the peak sowing season.
Significantly, this is the first time in the past three decades that the Southwest Monsoon has failed to cover the entire state even 11 days after its arrival.
According to the latest rainfall statistics released by the India Meteorological Department (IMD) for the period from June 1 to June 22, 2026, Jharkhand received only 44.7 mm of rainfall against the normal 112.1 mm, resulting in a 60 per cent deficit and placing the state in the “scanty rainfall” category.
Several Districts Report Severe Rainfall Shortfall
The IMD data highlights a worrying situation across most districts of the state.
Garhwa recorded the highest rainfall deficit at 99 per cent, receiving just 1 mm of rainfall against a normal 72.6 mm. Other severely affected districts include:
- Sahibganj: -98%
- Chatra: -92%
- Seraikela-Kharsawan: -84%
- Lohardaga: -82%
- Palamu: -82%
- Gumla: -81%
- Khunti: -79%
Kolhan Region Among the Worst Affected
The rainfall situation is particularly alarming in the Kolhan region.
East Singhbhum has received only 47.9 mm rainfall against a normal 152.6 mm, reflecting a 69 per cent deficit. West Singhbhum has recorded a similar 69 per cent shortfall.
Seraikela-Kharsawan has witnessed an 84 per cent rainfall deficiency, one of the highest deficits in the state.
Ranchi Records Near-Normal Rainfall
In contrast to most districts, Ranchi remains the only district reporting near-normal rainfall.
The capital district received 118.2 mm rainfall against a normal 115.6 mm, registering a marginal 2 per cent surplus.
Weather Conditions Across Jharkhand
According to IMD observations for the past 24 hours, temperatures remained moderate across the state.
Daltonganj recorded the highest maximum temperature at 37.1°C, making it the hottest location in Jharkhand, while Latehar registered the lowest minimum temperature at 21.8°C.
Major Weather Observations
| Location | Maximum Temperature | Minimum Temperature | Rainfall |
| Ranchi | 28.4°C | 22.4°C | 1 mm |
| Jamshedpur | 31.8°C | 25.4°C | Trace |
| Chaibasa | 30.8°C | 24.0°C | Nil |
| Bokaro | 36.1°C | 26.1°C | Nil |
| Daltonganj | 37.1°C | 28.2°C | Trace |
The IMD said the Southwest Monsoon advanced into Jharkhand and Bihar on June 22, and conditions remain favourable for its further progress across the remaining parts of the region over the next 48 hours.
Meteorologists expect rainfall activity to increase in the coming days, which could help reduce the rainfall deficit and provide much-needed relief to farmers awaiting adequate soil moisture for agricultural operations.
Next Fortnight Crucial for Agriculture
With most districts still experiencing significant rainfall shortages, the next two weeks are expected to be critical for the state.
Weather experts believe that sustained rainfall during this period will determine whether Jharkhand can avoid a prolonged dry spell and limit its impact on agriculture, water resources and rural livelihoods.
