PINAKI MAJUMDAR
Jamshedpur, Sept 18: Jharkhand continues to witness active monsoon conditions with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) issuing a warning of thunderstorms and lightning at isolated places over the state on September 18 and 19.
Light to moderate rainfall has been observed across several districts, while heavy downpour lashed a few pockets.
The highest rainfall of 85 mm was recorded in one or two places of Palamu district, highlighting the intensity of localized showers.
Many other areas also received moderate rain, keeping water levels in reservoirs and rivers steady.
According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the line of withdrawal of the southwest monsoon continues to pass through 31°N/74°E, Watch and Bhatinda, Fatehabad, Pilani, Ajmer, Deesa, Bhuj and 23°N/68°E, indicating that the retreat of monsoon is yet to progress further into eastern India.
The synoptic features show that an upper-air cyclonic circulation persists over east Uttar Pradesh and adjoining Bihar, extending up to 3.1 Km above mean sea level.
This system is contributing to the rainfall activity over Jharkhand and nearby states.
Officials said that while monsoon has been normal over Jharkhand, farmers have benefited from timely showers for paddy transplantation and crop growth.
However, people have been advised to remain cautious of lightning strikes, especially in rural areas, where casualties are often reported during thunderstorms.
Weather experts predict that rainfall activity may gradually decrease after September 20, though isolated spells could continue in parts of the state depending on local weather systems.
