Jharkhand braces for heavy rain; I-Day celebrations may turn wet
PINAKI MAJUMDAR Jamshedpur, August 13: Jharkhand is set for another spell of intense monsoon activity, with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasting…
PINAKI MAJUMDAR
Jamshedpur, August 13: Jharkhand is set for another spell of intense monsoon activity, with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasting heavy to extremely heavy rainfall at isolated places across several parts of the state over the next few days.
The fresh spell of rain is also expected to help reduce Jharkhand’s cumulative monsoon rainfall deficit, which has remained a concern in several districts.
Heavy rain likely in southern Jharkhand
According to the latest IMD forecast, West Singhbhum, East Singhbhum and Simdega are likely to receive heavy to extremely heavy rainfall at isolated places on Thursday (August 13).
Heavy to very heavy rainfall is also expected at isolated places in Seraikela-Kharsawan, Gumla and Khunti.
The weather office has also warned of thunderstorms, lightning and gusty winds reaching 30-40 kmph at isolated places, particularly over northeastern parts of the state.
Several districts in northwestern and central Jharkhand, including Lohardaga, Koderma, Hazaribagh, Ramgarh, Bokaro and Ranchi, are also likely to experience heavy rainfall.
Rain activity to continue on Friday
The wet spell is expected to continue on Friday, with Simdega, Gumla, Lohardaga, Latehar, Palamu and Garhwa likely to receive heavy to very heavy rainfall at isolated places.
Thunderstorms, lightning and gusty winds of 30-40 kmph are also likely in parts of the state.
Heavy rainfall is further forecast in southeastern and central Jharkhand, including Ranchi, Khunti, Hazaribagh and Ramgarh, as well as Chatra in northwestern Jharkhand.
Independence Day may turn wet
The weather outlook has particular significance for Independence Day on August 15, with the IMD forecasting heavy rainfall at isolated places over Jharkhand.
The latest bulletin indicates widespread rainfall activity across the state from August 13 to 19, with heavy rain expected on August 15 and likely to continue through August 17.
With Independence Day celebrations scheduled across Jharkhand on Saturday, several districts could witness wet conditions during outdoor events.
West Singhbhum records heavy rain
The latest IMD rainfall report recorded substantial precipitation in West Singhbhum during the 24 hours ending Thursday morning.
Majhgaon received 18 cm of rainfall, Kumardungi 13 cm, while Manjhari and Hatgamharia recorded 9 cm each.
Rain may narrow Jharkhand’s deficit
The renewed spell of monsoon activity is expected to improve Jharkhand’s overall rainfall position.
With substantial rain forecast across several districts that have been experiencing rainfall deficits, the state’s cumulative monsoon deficit is likely to narrow further over the coming days, potentially bringing rainfall closer to the normal range.
The IMD has also warned of thunderstorms and strong winds during the period. Heavy rainfall could lead to waterlogging, traffic disruptions and localised flooding in vulnerable areas.
Authorities and residents, particularly in districts under heavy-rain alerts, are likely to need extra caution as Independence Day events coincide with the active monsoon spell.
