Heavy rain alert in Jharkhand till July 20 as low pressure strengthens Monsoon
PINAKI MAJUMDAR Jamshedpur, July 16: A well-marked low-pressure area over the northwest Bay of Bengal and adjoining north Odisha-West Bengal coasts has…
PINAKI MAJUMDAR
Jamshedpur, July 16: A well-marked low-pressure area over the northwest Bay of Bengal and adjoining north Odisha-West Bengal coasts has strengthened the southwest monsoon over Jharkhand, prompting the India Meteorological Department (IMD) to issue a four-day alert for thunderstorms, lightning, gusty winds and spells of heavy rainfall across the state till July 20.
According to the IMD’s Ranchi Meteorological Centre, thunderstorms accompanied by lightning and gusty winds of 40-50 kmph are likely at isolated places across Jharkhand every day from July 16 to July 20.
Heavy rain to shift across districts over three days
The weather office has forecast heavy rainfall over different parts of the state on three consecutive days, with the rain belt expected to gradually shift from southern districts towards the central and north-western regions.
On July 16, heavy rainfall is likely at isolated places in the southern and central districts, particularly Ramgarh, Bokaro and Dhanbad.
The focus of intense rainfall is expected to move on July 17 to the southern and adjoining central districts, including Khunti and Gumla.
On July 18, heavy showers are likely over the central and adjoining north-western districts, especially Latehar and Chatra.
Although no heavy rain warning has been issued for July 19 and 20, thunderstorms, lightning and gusty winds are expected to continue across the state.
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Low-pressure system driving monsoon activity
Meteorologists said the prevailing weather is being influenced by a well-marked low-pressure area over the northwest Bay of Bengal and adjoining north Odisha-West Bengal coasts, which was centred at 8.30 am on Thursday.
The associated cyclonic circulation extends up to 7.6 km above mean sea level and is likely to move northwestwards across north Odisha and Gangetic West Bengal over the next two days, resulting in enhanced moisture inflow into Jharkhand.
Favourable weather systems support widespread rain
The IMD said multiple synoptic systems are working together to sustain widespread monsoon activity over the region.
The monsoon trough currently extends from Jammu to Bareilly, Basti, Daltonganj and the centre of the well-marked low-pressure area, before stretching into the northeast Bay of Bengal.
An upper-air cyclonic circulation persists over east Uttar Pradesh and adjoining Bihar, extending up to 1.5 km above mean sea level.
Additionally, a trough extends from the cyclonic circulation associated with the low-pressure area to the east-central Arabian Sea, passing through coastal Andhra Pradesh, Telangana and Maharashtra at an altitude of 5.8 km to 7.6 km above mean sea level.
IMD advises caution during thunderstorms
The IMD has urged residents to remain vigilant during periods of severe weather.
People have been advised to avoid taking shelter under isolated trees during thunderstorms, limit unnecessary travel during heavy rain and strong winds, and exercise caution as localised waterlogging and reduced visibility may affect vulnerable areas.
District-wise Heavy Rain Forecast
| Date | Districts Likely to Receive Heavy Rain |
| July 16 | Ramgarh, Bokaro, Dhanbad |
| July 17 | Khunti, Gumla |
| July 18 | Latehar, Chatra |
| July 19-20 | Thunderstorms, lightning and gusty winds likely across Jharkhand; no heavy rain warning |
