PINAKI MAJUMDAR
Jamshedpur, June 17: Jharkhand is facing a significant rainfall deficit as the southwest monsoon continues to advance slowly across the state.
According to the latest data released by the Meteorological Centre, Ranchi, the state recorded only 29.3 mm of rainfall against the normal 61.1 mm between June 1 and June 16, resulting in an overall 52 per cent rainfall deficit.
Several Districts Report Severe Rainfall Shortfall
The rainfall deficit has been particularly severe in several districts. Chatra and Garhwa recorded no rainfall during the period, registering a 100 per cent deficit. Palamu and Sahibganj reported a 96 per cent deficit each, while Lohardaga recorded a 94 per cent shortfall.
Other districts also witnessed significant rainfall deficiency, including Seraikela-Kharsawan (80 per cent deficit) and Khunti (79 per cent deficit).
Ranchi Records Excess Rainfall
Amid the widespread rainfall shortage, Ranchi emerged as the only district to receive excess rainfall. The district recorded 86.4 mm of rain against the normal 62.1 mm, registering a 39 per cent surplus.
Ramgarh remained close to normal rainfall levels, with a deficit of 15 per cent.
Monsoon Yet to Cover Entire Jharkhand
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) said the Northern Limit of Monsoon (NLM) currently passes through Harnai, Solapur, Hyderabad, Bhadrachalam, Koraput, Phulbani, Ranchi, Jamui and Muzaffarpur. This indicates that while the monsoon has reached parts of Jharkhand, it is yet to cover the entire state.
Meteorologists said conditions remain favourable for the further advance of the southwest monsoon into more parts of Jharkhand, Bihar, Odisha, Telangana and Chhattisgarh during the next four to five days.
IMD Issues Thunderstorm and Lightning Alerts
The weather office has issued thunderstorm, lightning and gusty wind warnings across Jharkhand over the coming days.
June 17
Thunderstorms, lightning and gusty winds of 40-50 kmph are likely at isolated places over southern and adjoining central parts of Jharkhand.
June 18
Similar weather conditions are expected at isolated locations across the state.
June 19
Thunderstorms with lightning and stronger winds of 50-60 kmph are likely over eastern and adjoining central districts. Other parts of the state may experience gusty winds of 40-50 kmph.
June 20-21
Thunderstorms, lightning and gusty winds of 40-50 kmph are likely at isolated places across Jharkhand.
Weather experts believe the expected advancement of the southwest monsoon and associated thunderstorm activity could help reduce the rainfall deficit in the coming days. Improved rainfall would provide much-needed relief to farmers waiting for favourable conditions for widespread sowing activities.
