Bay of Bengal depression to intensify, IMD issues heavy rain alert for Ranchi, Jamshedpur
PINAKI MAJUMDAR Jamshedpur, July 27: Rain activity is set to intensify across Jharkhand over the next few days as a depression over…
PINAKI MAJUMDAR
Jamshedpur, July 27: Rain activity is set to intensify across Jharkhand over the next few days as a depression over the northwest Bay of Bengal is expected to strengthen into a deep depression before making landfall along the north Odisha-West Bengal coast, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) said on Monday.
According to the IMD, the weather system, which developed from a well-marked low-pressure area, was centred over the northwest Bay of Bengal and adjoining north Odisha-West Bengal coast. It was located around 130 km south-southeast of Sagar Island, 140 km southeast of Digha, 170 km east of Chandbali and 180 km east-southeast of Balasore.
The depression is expected to move northwestwards, intensify further into a deep depression within the next 24 hours and cross the north Odisha-West Bengal coast between Paradip and Sagar Island around forenoon or noon on July 27.
Why rainfall will increase in Jharkhand
Meteorologists said the combined impact of the Bay of Bengal depression, the monsoon trough passing through Ranchi and an east-west shear zone across central India is likely to trigger widespread rainfall across Jharkhand.
For July 27, the IMD has forecast thunderstorms accompanied by lightning and gusty winds of 30-40 kmph at isolated places across the state.
Heavy rainfall is likely over parts of southern and adjoining central Jharkhand, with Gumla, Khunti, Ranchi and Lohardaga expected to receive intense showers.
Heavy rain likely to shift to southwestern districts
On July 28, the focus of heavy rainfall is expected to shift towards southern and southwestern Jharkhand. West Singhbhum, Simdega, Gumla, Khunti and Lohardaga are likely to witness heavy showers, while thunderstorms, lightning and gusty winds are expected to continue across the state.
For July 29 and 30, the weather office has forecast isolated thunderstorms with lightning and gusty winds of 30-40 kmph. No major weather warning has been issued for July 31 and August 1.
IMD issues thunderstorm alert for several districts
Most parts of Jharkhand are expected to receive rainfall on Monday. The Meteorological Centre has issued a thunderstorm and lightning alert for Ranchi, Jamshedpur, Bokaro, Khunti, Gumla, Lohardaga, West Singhbhum, Simdega, Seraikela-Kharsawan and Ramgarh.
The IMD has advised residents to remain indoors during thunderstorms, avoid taking shelter under isolated trees and stay away from open fields or water bodies during lightning activity.


