Jharkhand ends July with 26% rainfall deficit despite strong monsoon recovery
PINAKI MAJUMDAR Jamshedpur, August 1: Jharkhand ended July with a 26 per cent cumulative rainfall deficit, despite a significant revival in monsoon…
PINAKI MAJUMDAR
Jamshedpur, August 1: Jharkhand ended July with a 26 per cent cumulative rainfall deficit, despite a significant revival in monsoon activity during the month that sharply reduced the shortfall recorded at the end of June.
According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the state received 376.2 mm of rainfall against the normal 508.2 mm between June 1 and July 31, leaving an overall rainfall deficit of 26 per cent.
The figures mark a substantial improvement from June, when the rainfall deficit had crossed 50 per cent, indicating that the southwest monsoon regained momentum across much of the state during July.
West Singhbhum Lone District with Excess Rainfall
Among all districts, West Singhbhum emerged as the only one to record excess rainfall. The district received 573.7 mm of rain against the normal 493.6 mm, registering a 16 per cent surplus.
Several districts remained close to normal rainfall levels, including Simdega (-3%), Saraikela-Kharsawan (-7%) and East Singhbhum (-9%).
Garhwa Records Highest Rainfall Deficit
Despite the overall improvement, several districts continue to face significant rainfall shortages.
Garhwa recorded the highest deficit at 63 per cent, followed by Chatra (-62%), Pakur (-58%), Deoghar (-54%), Koderma (-49%) and Godda (-48%).
Other districts reporting deficient rainfall include Bokaro, Dhanbad, Giridih, Gumla, Hazaribagh, Jamtara, Latehar, Lohardaga, Palamu and Ramgarh.
IMD Forecasts Thunderstorms Till August 4
The IMD has forecast thunderstorms accompanied by lightning and gusty winds reaching 40–50 kmph at isolated places across Jharkhand from August 2 to August 4.
Although no widespread heavy rainfall has been predicted, intermittent showers are expected in several parts of the state, which could help sustain the ongoing southwest monsoon activity.
Coming Weeks Crucial for Agriculture
Weather experts said the improved rainfall during July has substantially reduced the state’s cumulative monsoon deficit from the alarming levels recorded in June.
However, with several districts still experiencing significant rainfall shortages, the remaining weeks of the monsoon season will be crucial for agriculture, reservoir replenishment, groundwater recharge and overall water availability across Jharkhand.
