Rain erases deficit as Jharkhand reaches normal monsoon mark
PINAKI MAJUMDAR Jamshedpur, September 3: Jharkhand has finally climbed out of its monsoon rainfall deficit, with cumulative precipitation crossing the seasonal normal…
PINAKI MAJUMDAR
Jamshedpur, September 3: Jharkhand has finally climbed out of its monsoon rainfall deficit, with cumulative precipitation crossing the seasonal normal mark as another spell of weather is expected to keep large parts of the state wet over the next few days.
According to the latest rainfall statistics from the Meteorological Centre, Ranchi, Jharkhand received 818.4 mm of rain against the normal 815.6 mm between June 1 and September 2, putting the state in the normal rainfall category. The state has thus recorded a marginal surplus of about 2.8 mm.
The turnaround is significant as Jharkhand had started the monsoon with a considerable rainfall shortfall. Repeated spells of widespread and heavy rain through August and the first days of September helped bridge the gap and bring the cumulative rainfall back to normal.
The recovery, however, has been far from uniform across the state.
West Singhbhum has recorded the highest rainfall surplus at 54 per cent, receiving 1,263.1 mm against a normal 822.6 mm. Latehar is 23 per cent above normal, while Seraikela-Kharsawan has recorded a 22 per cent surplus.
Ranchi has also received above-normal rainfall, recording 980.2 mm against a normal 831.6 mm — a surplus of 18 per cent. East Singhbhum has received 996 mm, 14 per cent above normal.
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Pakur still faces 50% rainfall deficit
Several districts, however, continue to face substantial rainfall deficiencies despite the state’s overall recovery.
Pakur has recorded the highest deficit at 50 per cent, receiving only 459.3 mm against a normal 919.2 mm.
Deoghar has a 33 per cent deficit, followed by Chatra at 30 per cent. Godda, Gumla and Koderma are each 24 per cent below normal, while Giridih has recorded a 21 per cent deficit and Hazaribag is 20 per cent below normal.
Fresh spell likely to keep Jharkhand wet
The improvement in the rainfall position comes amid a vigorous spell of monsoon activity.
The well-marked low-pressure area that had earlier developed over West Jharkhand and adjoining areas has moved towards northeast Madhya Pradesh and neighbouring regions. The associated cyclonic circulation extends up to about 7.6 km above mean sea level and is expected to move west-northwestwards.
The monsoon trough also remains active across northern and central parts of the country, maintaining favourable conditions for rainfall over Jharkhand.
The Meteorological Centre has forecast continued rain and thunderstorms across the state in the coming days, with heavy rainfall likely at isolated places. The current wet spell is expected to continue until September 5.
Garhwa, Palamu, Chatra and Latehar are among the districts likely to receive heavy rainfall, while several other areas may also experience intense showers.
220 mm rain recorded at BAU Kanke
The latest spell has already produced intense rainfall at isolated locations. BAU Kanke in Ranchi recorded 220 mm of rain, the highest rainfall reported during the latest observation period.
With Jharkhand now back in the normal rainfall bracket, the monsoon narrative has changed dramatically — from battling to erase a deficit to managing the benefits and risks of continued rainfall.
