Intense monsoon activity likely in Jharkhand as low-pressure system strengthens

PINAKI MAJUMDAR

Jamshedpur, August 19: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast widespread thunderstorm activity and heavy rainfall over several parts of Jharkhand in the coming days, under the influence of a strengthening low-pressure system over the Bay of Bengal.

A well-marked low-pressure area persists over the west-central and adjoining northwest Bay of Bengal, near the north Andhra Pradesh–south Odisha coasts. The associated cyclonic circulation extends up to 9.6 Km above mean sea level, tilting southwestward with height.

This system is expected to intensify into a depression and make landfall along the south Odisha–north Andhra Pradesh coasts by the forenoon of August 19.

The monsoon trough currently runs through Naliya, Jalgaon, Brahmapuri, Jagdalpur, and the center of the low-pressure system, before extending east-southeastward into the central Bay of Bengal, up to 1.5 Km above mean sea level.

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Forecast Highlights for Jharkhand

19th August:

Thunderstorms and lightning with gusty winds (30–40 kmph) likely at isolated places.

Heavy rainfall expected over north-eastern and adjoining central districts.

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20th August:

Thunderstorms/lightning with gusty winds at isolated places.

Heavy rainfall likely over north-eastern and south-eastern districts.

21st August:

Thunderstorms/lightning with gusty winds at isolated places.

Heavy rainfall forecast over north-eastern districts.

22nd August:

Thunderstorms/lightning with gusty winds at isolated places.

Heavy rainfall expected over southern and central districts.

Monsoon activity remained normal across the state.

Light to moderate rainfall with thunderstorms was recorded at several locations.

Highest rainfall (past 24 hrs): Rajmahal (Sahebganj) – 63.2 mm.

Commuters should exercise caution during heavy downpours, and farmers are urged to manage field activities considering the possibility of waterlogging.