IMD issues four-day alert for heavy rain in Jharkhand
PINAKI MAJUMDAR Jamshedpur, July 15: A fresh low-pressure area over the northwest Bay of Bengal has prompted the India Meteorological Department (IMD)…
PINAKI MAJUMDAR
Jamshedpur, July 15: A fresh low-pressure area over the northwest Bay of Bengal has prompted the India Meteorological Department (IMD) to issue a four-day weather alert for Jharkhand, with heavy rain, thunderstorms, lightning and gusty winds likely across several districts between July 16 and 19.
According to the Ranchi Meteorological Centre, the low-pressure area, located off the north Odisha–West Bengal coast on Wednesday morning, is expected to strengthen into a well-marked low-pressure system before moving north-westwards across north Odisha and Gangetic West Bengal over the next two days.
The associated cyclonic circulation extends up to 7.6km above mean sea level, creating favourable conditions for widespread monsoon activity across Jharkhand.
ALSO READ: Jharkhand HC pulls up DCs for delaying bank recovery cases, issues statewide directions
Heavy rain likely in several Jharkhand districts
The IMD has forecast thunderstorms accompanied by lightning and gusty winds of 40–50kmph at isolated locations across the state throughout the four-day period.
On July 16, heavy rainfall is likely over the south-eastern and central districts, including Ramgarh, Bokaro and Dhanbad.
The heavy rain zone is expected to expand on July 17 to include Khunti and the north-eastern districts of Godda, Dumka, Sahibganj and Pakur.
The wet spell is forecast to continue on July 18, with heavy rainfall expected over the southern districts, adjoining central areas including Khunti and Gumla, along with the north-eastern districts of Godda, Dumka, Sahibganj and Pakur.
Thunderstorms, lightning and gusty winds are expected to continue across Jharkhand on July 19.
Why Jharkhand is likely to receive more rain
Meteorologists said the active monsoon trough, stretching from Jammu to the Bay of Bengal through Bihar and Jharkhand, along with an upper-air cyclonic circulation over eastern Uttar Pradesh and adjoining Bihar, is expected to keep monsoon conditions favourable across the state over the coming days.
The evolving low-pressure system over the Bay of Bengal is likely to enhance rainfall activity, increasing the chances of widespread showers and isolated spells of heavy rain across Jharkhand.
IMD advisory for residents
The IMD has advised residents to remain alert during thunderstorms and lightning, avoid taking shelter under trees, and exercise caution while travelling during periods of heavy rain and strong winds. People living in low-lying areas have also been urged to monitor local weather updates and follow advisories issued by district authorities.
