IMD forecasts heavy rain from June 29 to July 3 in Jharkhand
Jamshedpur, June 29: Jharkhand has recorded an unusually dry June, with the state witnessing a 62% deficit in southwest monsoon rainfall between…
Jamshedpur, June 29: Jharkhand has recorded an unusually dry June, with the state witnessing a 62% deficit in southwest monsoon rainfall between June 1 and June 28, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD).
The IMD has, however, forecast thunderstorms, lightning, gusty winds and spells of heavy rainfall in several districts from June 29 to July 3, raising hopes of a revival in monsoon activity.
Monsoon Likely to Advance Across Jharkhand
According to the Meteorological Centre, Ranchi, the northern limit of the southwest monsoon, as of June 28, passes through 20°N/60°E, 20°N/65°E, 20°N/70°E, Surat, Indore, Mandla, Daltonganj, Motihari and 28.3°N/83°E.
The IMD said conditions are favourable for the monsoon to advance into the remaining parts of Jharkhand and Bihar over the next two to three days.
Jharkhand Records 62% Rainfall Deficit
Rainfall data for the period June 1 to June 28, 2026, show that Jharkhand received only 65.5 mm of rainfall against the normal 170.3 mm, resulting in an overall 62% rainfall deficit.
Among the districts, Garhwa recorded the highest deficit at 99%, receiving just 1.7 mm of rainfall against the normal 117.5 mm. Sahibganj followed with a 98% deficit.
Other districts reporting severe rainfall shortages include Chatra (90%), Palamu (88%), Saraikela-Kharsawan (83%), Koderma (82%) and Lohardaga (82%).
East Singhbhum received 76.2 mm of rainfall against the normal 217 mm, registering a 65% deficit, while West Singhbhum recorded 63.2 mm against the normal 183.4 mm, reflecting a 66% deficit.
Weather Systems Favour Increased Rainfall
The IMD said several synoptic weather systems are expected to strengthen rainfall activity across eastern India.
The seasonal trough at mean sea level extending from Punjab to Bihar across Haryana and Uttar Pradesh continues to persist.
A trough at 0.9 km above mean sea level extends from northeast Madhya Pradesh to Telangana across Vidarbha.
An upper-air cyclonic circulation over north Gujarat has shifted to Madhya Pradesh and adjoining areas, extending between 3.1 km and 5.8 km above mean sea level.
Another trough extends from north Coastal Andhra Pradesh to Madhya Maharashtra across Chhattisgarh and Marathwada at 4.5 km above mean sea level.
District-Wise Weather Forecast
June 29
Thunderstorms accompanied by lightning and gusty winds with speeds of 40–50 kmph are likely at isolated places over the northwestern districts of the state.
June 30
Thunderstorms, lightning and gusty winds of 40–50 kmph are likely at isolated places across Jharkhand. Heavy rainfall is expected at isolated locations over the northeastern and adjoining central districts, including Bokaro and Dhanbad.
July 1
Thunderstorms, lightning and gusty winds of 40–50 kmph are likely across the state. Heavy rainfall is expected at isolated places over the northeastern, southern and central districts, including East Singhbhum, West Singhbhum, Saraikela-Kharsawan, Bokaro, Dhanbad, Ramgarh, Ranchi and Khunti.
July 2–3
Thunderstorms, lightning and gusty winds with speeds of 40–50 kmph are likely at isolated places across Jharkhand.
The forecast offers relief to farmers and residents, with the long-awaited southwest monsoon expected to revive rainfall activity after a significantly deficient June.
The IMD has advised people to remain alert during thunderstorms and lightning and to follow weather advisories issued by local authorities.
