Heavy rain alert for Jharkhand till July 17 as Bay of Bengal system set to revive Monsoon
PINAKI MAJUMDAR Jamshedpur, July 14: After an erratic start to the southwest monsoon and a widening rainfall deficit across Jharkhand, the India…
PINAKI MAJUMDAR
Jamshedpur, July 14: After an erratic start to the southwest monsoon and a widening rainfall deficit across Jharkhand, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast an active spell of rain till July 17, driven by the likely formation of a low-pressure area over the Bay of Bengal.
The weather system is expected to strengthen monsoon currents over eastern India, bringing widespread rainfall, thunderstorms, lightning and gusty winds across several parts of the state over the next three days.
The Ranchi Meteorological Centre has forecast thunderstorms accompanied by lightning and gusty winds of 40-50 kmph at isolated places across Jharkhand from July 15 to July 17.
Heavy rainfall is likely at isolated places over the south-eastern and adjoining central districts, including Ranchi and Khunti, on July 15.
On July 16, heavy showers are expected over the southern districts, while on July 17, the heavy rainfall zone is likely to expand across the southern region and adjoining central districts, particularly Khunti and Gumla.
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Bay of Bengal Low-Pressure Area to Boost Monsoon
Meteorologists have attributed the expected surge in rainfall to favourable synoptic conditions developing over the Bay of Bengal.
The monsoon trough at mean sea level currently extends from Jammu through Dehradun, Barabanki, Patna, Bankura and Canning, before stretching southeastwards into the east-central Bay of Bengal.
At the same time, an upper-air cyclonic circulation persists over the north Bay of Bengal and adjoining south Bangladesh, extending up to 7.6 km above mean sea level.
Under its influence, a low-pressure area is likely to form over the north Bay of Bengal and adjoining the west Bangladesh coast within the next 24 hours. The system is expected to inject fresh momentum into the southwest monsoon over Jharkhand and the rest of eastern India.
IMD Advises Caution During Active Monsoon Spell
“The atmospheric conditions are becoming increasingly favourable for an active monsoon phase over Jharkhand. The proposed low-pressure area over the Bay of Bengal is expected to enhance moisture inflow, resulting in more widespread rainfall during the next few days. While the rain will help reduce the prevailing deficit, people should remain cautious as thunderstorms, lightning and strong winds may accompany the showers,” an official at the Regional Meteorological Centre, Alipore, Kolkata, said.
State Grapples with 41% Rainfall Deficit
The fresh spell comes as Jharkhand continues to face a significant seasonal rainfall deficit.
According to official data, the state received 193.2 mm of rainfall between June 1 and July 14, against the normal 326 mm, leaving it with an overall 41% deficit.
The prolonged dry spell has slowed agricultural operations, particularly paddy transplantation, in several districts.
Relief for Farmers and Kharif Crop
Agriculture experts believe the anticipated rainfall could prove crucial for the ongoing kharif season.
If the forecast materialises, the widespread showers are expected to improve soil moisture, replenish reservoirs and other water bodies, and accelerate paddy transplantation. The rainfall is also likely to gradually narrow the state’s monsoon deficit, bringing much-needed relief to farmers who have been anxiously awaiting a sustained spell of rain.
