Jharkhand weather alert: Thunderstorms, heavy rain likely across State till August 15
PINAKI MAJUMDAR Jamshedpur, August 12: Jharkhand is likely to experience another spell of active monsoon weather over the next four days, with…
PINAKI MAJUMDAR
Jamshedpur, August 12: Jharkhand is likely to experience another spell of active monsoon weather over the next four days, with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasting thunderstorms, lightning, gusty winds and isolated heavy rainfall across several parts of the state till August 15.
The weather activity is expected to intensify from Thursday, with several districts likely to witness heavy showers amid thunderstorms and strong winds.
Thunderstorms, Gusty Winds Forecast on August 13
According to the IMD forecast, thunderstorms accompanied by lightning and gusty winds of 30–40 kmph are likely at isolated places across Jharkhand on August 13.
Heavy rainfall is also expected at isolated places in the southern parts of the state.
The weather system is likely to keep conditions unsettled across Jharkhand, with residents advised to remain cautious during thunderstorms, particularly in areas vulnerable to lightning and sudden heavy showers.
Heavy Rain Likely in Central, Southern and Northwest Jharkhand
The wet spell is expected to continue on August 14, when thunderstorms, lightning and gusty winds are likely at isolated places across the state.
Heavy rain is likely at isolated places in the southern, central and north-western parts of Jharkhand. The central belt includes Ranchi, Gumla, Khunti and Lohardaga, while Latehar falls under the north-western region.
On August 15, thunderstorms, lightning and gusty winds of 30–40 kmph are again likely at isolated places across the state.
Heavy rain has been forecast at isolated places in north-western and central districts, including Gumla, Ranchi, Khunti, Lohardaga, Ramgarh and Hazaribagh.
Weather Systems Supporting Rainfall Activity
The prevailing synoptic conditions remain favourable for continued rainfall activity over Jharkhand.
The low-pressure area over northwest Madhya Pradesh and adjoining areas persisted over the same region on Wednesday morning. Its associated cyclonic circulation extended up to 5.8 km above mean sea level and was tilting southwards.
The monsoon trough is passing through the centre of the low-pressure area and extending towards Ranchi and Digha before moving southeastwards into the east-central Bay of Bengal.
Meanwhile, an upper-air cyclonic circulation over the northwest Bay of Bengal and adjoining areas, extending up to 7.6 km above mean sea level, continues to persist.
Another Low-Pressure Area Likely Over Bay of Bengal
Under the influence of the prevailing system, another low-pressure area is likely to form over the northwest Bay of Bengal and adjoining areas around August 12.
The developing weather system could sustain rainfall and thunderstorm activity over Jharkhand in the coming days, keeping the monsoon active across the state.
The forecast indicates the possibility of sudden spells of heavy rain, lightning and strong winds, particularly in vulnerable areas.
Residents have been advised to exercise caution during thunderstorms and avoid open or exposed locations during lightning activity. Sudden heavy showers could also lead to temporary waterlogging in low-lying areas.
“The weather has become very unpredictable. One moment it is sunny and the next there is dark cloud cover, strong wind and rain. We are particularly worried about lightning and waterlogging if the heavy showers continue for several days,” said a Jamshedpur resident.


