Jharkhand braces for 5-day rain spell as IMD forecasts active Monsoon phase
PINAKI MAJUMDAR Jamshedpur, July 22: Jharkhand is set to witness an active phase of the southwest monsoon, with the India Meteorological Department…
PINAKI MAJUMDAR
Jamshedpur, July 22: Jharkhand is set to witness an active phase of the southwest monsoon, with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasting five consecutive days of widespread rainfall across the State from July 22.
According to the IMD, the wet spell is being driven by a cyclonic circulation over the Bay of Bengal, which is expected to strengthen monsoon currents and bring moderate to heavy rainfall to several districts over the next five days.
The forecast is expected to provide much-needed relief to farmers after uneven monsoon activity in parts of Jharkhand earlier this season. Sustained rainfall is likely to improve soil moisture, support paddy transplantation and other kharif farming operations, and replenish water sources.
Rainfall data released by the IMD showed that several parts of the State have already received significant precipitation over the past 48 hours.
Nimdih in Seraikela-Kharsawan recorded the highest rainfall at 131.4 mm, followed by Chandil (125.6 mm), Bariyatu Block (110 mm) and Rajmahal (105 mm).
Other areas that recorded substantial rainfall include Kurdeg (86 mm), Balumath (83 mm), Gamharia (76.2 mm), Barhi (73.2 mm), Chaibasa Sadar (73 mm), Tundi (66 mm) and Chaibasa (58.4 mm).
In East Singhbhum district, Ghurabandha received 49.2 mm of rainfall, followed by Baharagora (47.4 mm) and Patamda (12.4 mm). Jamshedpur city recorded 24.6 mm, while the Jamshedpur Aerodrome logged 17.6 mm.
Heavy rain likely at isolated places
Meteorologists said the Bay of Bengal system will continue to draw abundant moisture into eastern India, resulting in widespread rainfall across most parts of Jharkhand.
While isolated districts may experience heavy downpours, the overall weather pattern is expected to remain dominated by persistent and widespread rain through the five-day forecast period.
The rainfall is likely to improve groundwater recharge, increase reservoir levels and enhance irrigation prospects across rural areas. Agricultural experts believe the spell could ease moisture stress, accelerate sowing activities and create favourable conditions for kharif crops.
IMD advises caution
The IMD has advised residents to remain alert as prolonged rainfall could lead to waterlogging in low-lying areas, traffic congestion and localised flooding, particularly in urban centres.
People have been urged to follow official weather advisories and exercise caution during periods of heavy rainfall.
With the Bay of Bengal weather system gaining strength and widespread showers already reported across several districts, Jharkhand is likely to experience one of its most active monsoon phases of the season over the coming days.
