PINAKI MAJUMDAR
Jamshedpur, June 15: Despite the timely arrival and further advancement of the Southwest Monsoon, Jharkhand continues to face a significant rainfall deficit, with the state recording a 47 per cent shortfall between June 1 and June 15.
According to data released by the Meteorological Centre in Ranchi, Jharkhand received 29.4 mm of rainfall against the normal 55.6 mm during the period.
Several Districts Report Severe Rainfall Deficit
The latest rainfall statistics paint a concerning picture across much of the state. Chatra and Garhwa received no rainfall during the period, resulting in a 100 per cent deficit.
Other districts reporting major shortfalls include Sahibganj (-96%), Palamu (-95%), Lohardaga (-91%), Saraikela-Kharsawan (-78%), Khunti (-76%), Deoghar (-68%), Godda (-68%) and Gumla (-67%).
In East Singhbhum, rainfall stood at 38.2 mm against the normal 78 mm, resulting in a 51 per cent deficit. West Singhbhum also recorded a 51 per cent shortfall, while Bokaro and Hazaribagh registered deficits of 52 per cent and 51 per cent respectively.
Ranchi Records Excess Rainfall
Amid the widespread deficiency, Ranchi emerged as the only district to record excess rainfall, receiving 86.4 mm against the normal 57.3 mm, a surplus of 51 per cent.
Ramgarh remained relatively close to normal with an 11 per cent deficit.
Monsoon Advances Further Across Region
Meanwhile, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) reported that the Southwest Monsoon advanced further on June 15 into the remaining parts of Andhra Pradesh, West Bengal and the west-central Bay of Bengal, besides covering additional areas of Telangana, Odisha, Jharkhand and Bihar.
Meteorologists said conditions remain favourable for further advancement of the monsoon into more parts of central India over the next four to five days.
Thunderstorm Alert Till June 19
The weather office has forecast thunderstorms, lightning and gusty winds with speeds reaching 40–50 kmph at isolated places across Jharkhand till June 19.
On June 15 and 16, such activity is likely over most parts of the state except the north-western region. On June 17, southern and adjoining central districts are expected to be more vulnerable. Thunderstorms and gusty winds are again likely across the state on June 18 and 19.
Weather experts believe the monsoon’s fresh advance and the expected thunderstorm activity could improve rainfall distribution in the coming days. However, with nearly half of the state’s normal rainfall still missing during the first fortnight of the monsoon season, concerns remain over moisture stress in agricultural areas if widespread rains do not materialise soon.