Jharkhand records 58% rainfall deficit despite monsoon advance
Jamshedpur, June 25: Jharkhand continues to face a 58% rainfall deficit despite further advances of the southwest monsoon, raising concerns over agriculture…
Jamshedpur, June 25: Jharkhand continues to face a 58% rainfall deficit despite further advances of the southwest monsoon, raising concerns over agriculture and water availability during the crucial early monsoon season.
The state has received only 55 mm of rainfall against the normal cumulative rainfall of 132 mm expected by this stage of the season, according to meteorological data.
Monsoon expected to advance further
Weather experts said the seasonal trough at mean sea level, stretching from Rajasthan to Gangetic West Bengal through north Madhya Pradesh, south Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and Jharkhand, continues to influence weather activity over eastern India.
An upper-air cyclonic circulation over the north Bay of Bengal and adjoining coastal Bangladesh, extending between 3.1 km and 5.8 km above mean sea level, is aiding the monsoon’s advance. Another cyclonic circulation persists over southeast Madhya Pradesh at around 3.1 km above mean sea level.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) said the southwest monsoon advanced further on June 24 into additional parts of the northeast Arabian Sea, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh and Jharkhand.
The Northern Limit of Monsoon currently passes through Surat, Indore, Mandla, Daltonganj and Motihari before extending towards Nepal.
Meteorologists said conditions remain favourable for the monsoon to advance across the remaining parts of Jharkhand and Bihar over the next two to three days, bringing the possibility of much-needed rainfall.
Thunderstorm, heat-wave alerts issued
The IMD has forecast thunderstorms with lightning and gusty winds of 40-50 kmph at isolated places across Jharkhand on June 25, 27, 29 and 30.
Residents have been advised to remain alert during thunderstorms and avoid open areas during lightning strikes.
Meanwhile, heat-wave conditions are likely at isolated places in northwestern Jharkhand, particularly in Garhwa, Palamu and Chatra districts, on June 25, highlighting the uneven distribution of monsoon activity across the state.
Weather officials said the advancing monsoon, supported by favourable synoptic conditions, is expected to help reduce the rainfall deficit in the coming days. However, a significant increase in rainfall will be needed to bridge the current shortfall and restore normal monsoon conditions.
