Fresh Bay of Bengal system likely to boost rainfall over Jharkhand
PINAKI MAJUMDAR Jamshedpur, August 11: Jharkhand is likely to see a fresh surge in monsoon activity over the next four days, with…
PINAKI MAJUMDAR
Jamshedpur, August 11: Jharkhand is likely to see a fresh surge in monsoon activity over the next four days, with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasting thunderstorms, lightning and gusty winds of up to 40–50 kmph across several parts of the state. Isolated heavy rainfall is also expected in different pockets, particularly in southern, central and north-western Jharkhand.
The renewed spell could bring some relief to the state, which continues to face a significant rainfall shortfall. Jharkhand’s cumulative rainfall deficit stood at 21 per cent as of August 10.
Thunderstorms, gusty winds forecast across Jharkhand
According to the IMD forecast, isolated parts of north-eastern Jharkhand are likely to experience thunderstorms accompanied by lightning and gusty winds of 40–50 kmph on Tuesday.
Similar weather conditions are expected at isolated places across the state on Wednesday, with monsoon activity likely to become more vigorous from Thursday.
On August 13, thunderstorms, lightning and strong winds are likely at isolated places across Jharkhand. The IMD has also forecast heavy rainfall at isolated places over southern parts of the state.
The unsettled weather is expected to continue on August 14, when thunderstorms, lightning and gusty winds are likely at several places. Isolated heavy rainfall has also been forecast over southern, central and north-western parts of the state.
Ranchi, Gumla, Khunti among areas under watch
The central belt likely to receive heavy showers includes Ranchi, Gumla, Khunti and Lohardaga, while Latehar is among the north-western districts covered by the heavy-rain forecast.
The distribution of rainfall will be crucial, particularly as Jharkhand’s monsoon deficit remains at 21 per cent. Widespread and sustained rainfall over the coming days could help narrow the gap.
New low-pressure area likely over Bay of Bengal
The latest weather outlook is linked to a combination of systems influencing central and eastern India.
The low-pressure area over north Madhya Pradesh and adjoining areas persisted on Monday morning, with its associated cyclonic circulation extending up to 5.8 km above mean sea level and tilting southwards with height.
The monsoon trough is also continuing to influence the region. It extends from Bikaner through Datia, the centre of the low-pressure area over north Madhya Pradesh and adjoining areas, Daltonganj and Digha before moving southeastwards into the east-central Bay of Bengal.
Fresh system may intensify monsoon activity
Another significant weather feature is the upper-air cyclonic circulation over the north-west Bay of Bengal and adjoining areas, which extends up to 7.6 km above mean sea level and is tilting southwestwards with height.
The IMD has forecast the formation of a fresh low-pressure area over the north-west Bay of Bengal and adjoining areas around August 12 under the influence of this circulation.
The emerging system is expected to strengthen monsoon activity over Jharkhand and could trigger another spell of rainfall across the state in the coming days.
Rainfall deficit remains a concern
With Jharkhand still recording a 21 per cent cumulative rainfall deficit, the upcoming spell assumes significance for agriculture, water resources and overall monsoon recovery.
However, the extent to which the deficit improves will depend not merely on isolated heavy showers but on the spread, intensity and persistence of rainfall across the state.
