Heavy rain alert for Ranchi, South-Eastern Jharkhand today
PINAKI MAJUMDAR Jamshedpur, August 17: Jharkhand is bracing for another spell of intense monsoon activity, with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasting…
PINAKI MAJUMDAR
Jamshedpur, August 17: Jharkhand is bracing for another spell of intense monsoon activity, with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasting heavy to very heavy rainfall at isolated places across several parts of the state over the next three days.
The alert is particularly significant for the south-eastern districts, with West Singhbhum, East Singhbhum and Saraikela-Kharsawan likely to receive heavy rainfall on Monday.
The IMD has forecast heavy to very heavy rain at isolated places in the south-eastern districts and adjoining central districts, including Ranchi and Khunti, on August 17. Thunderstorms accompanied by lightning and gusty winds of 30-40 kmph are also likely at isolated places across Jharkhand.
The weather system behind the rainfall is a low-pressure area over the northwest Bay of Bengal and adjoining coastal areas of West Bengal and north Odisha.
According to the IMD, the system remained over the same region on Sunday, with an associated cyclonic circulation extending up to 7.6 km above mean sea level and tilting southwestwards.
The system is likely to move northwestwards and become more marked during the next 24 hours, potentially increasing rainfall activity in Jharkhand.
The monsoon trough is also supporting the enhanced rainfall activity. It currently extends from Amritsar through Ludhiana, Moradabad, Lucknow and Varanasi to the centre of the low-pressure area over the northwest Bay of Bengal, before moving southeastwards towards the east-central Bay of Bengal.
An upper-air cyclonic circulation over southeast Uttar Pradesh and adjoining areas is another factor influencing the Jharkhand weather forecast.
Rainfall to Continue Across Jharkhand
Rainfall is expected to remain widespread over Jharkhand, although the areas receiving the heaviest showers are likely to change over the next few days.
On August 18, heavy rain is likely at isolated places in Lohardaga, Simdega, Gumla, Ramgarh, Bokaro and Dhanbad, along with adjoining Jamtara. Heavy to very heavy rainfall is also forecast over Palamu, Latehar and Chatra, as well as adjoining Hazaribagh.
On August 19, isolated heavy rainfall is likely over Lohardaga, Ranchi, Khunti, Gumla, Ramgarh, Bokaro and Koderma, along with adjoining Garhwa.
Thunderstorms, lightning and gusty winds of 30-40 kmph are expected to remain a feature across the state during this period.
Caution Advised During Heavy Showers
The renewed spell comes amid an active monsoon phase over eastern India. The IMD has forecast widespread rainfall across Jharkhand, with isolated heavy rainfall likely through August 18.
For Jamshedpur and adjoining areas, the forecast calls for caution, particularly during intense spells when waterlogging, reduced visibility, slippery roads and lightning could disrupt normal movement.
Residents are advised to avoid taking shelter under isolated trees or near exposed structures during thunderstorms. People should also exercise caution while travelling through low-lying and waterlogged areas.
With the Bay of Bengal low-pressure system expected to strengthen, along with a favourable monsoon trough and upper-air circulation, Jharkhand’s weather is likely to remain unsettled over the next few days, with intermittent heavy showers and thunderstorms affecting several districts.
