Monsoon gathers steam, rain deficit shrinks to 25% in Jharkhand
Jamshedpur, July 30: The southwest monsoon is set to regain momentum over Jharkhand, with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasting widespread rainfall, thunderstorms,…
Jamshedpur, July 30: The southwest monsoon is set to regain momentum over Jharkhand, with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasting widespread rainfall, thunderstorms, lightning and gusty winds across the state over the next four days.
The fresh spell of rain comes as a major relief for Jharkhand, where the cumulative monsoon rainfall deficit has narrowed to 25 per cent as of Wednesday.
The IMD has issued a state-wide alert for thunderstorms accompanied by lightning and gusty winds of 40-50 kmph from July 30 to August 2.
Heavy rainfall is also likely at isolated places in the state’s north-eastern districts on August 2.
With Thursday marking the beginning of the holy month of Shravan, Ranchi and at least 18 other districts are expected to witness widespread showers, offering much-needed relief after a prolonged rainfall deficit.
Meteorologists attributed the changing weather pattern to a deep depression that has moved westwards from north interior Odisha and adjoining south Jharkhand into central Chhattisgarh.
The system is expected to continue moving west across Chhattisgarh and eastern Madhya Pradesh over the next 24 hours.
Meanwhile, the monsoon trough remains active over central India, while an east-west shear zone in the upper atmosphere is creating favourable conditions for enhanced monsoon activity across Jharkhand.
The expected rainfall is likely to further improve the state’s seasonal precipitation, which has steadily recovered over the past few weeks following an extended dry spell.
Officials said the widespread showers would benefit agriculture, particularly paddy transplantation, though intense spells of rain could lead to localised waterlogging in low-lying areas.
The IMD has advised residents to stay indoors during thunderstorms, avoid taking shelter under isolated trees or electric poles, and exercise caution while travelling during periods of heavy rain and lightning.
Weather conditions are expected to improve from August 3, with no major weather warnings issued for August 3 and 4, although light to moderate rainfall may continue at isolated places across the state.
