Jamshedpur: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has warned of intensified monsoon activity across Jharkhand and adjoining regions as a depression over south interior Odisha is set to bring heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, lightning, and gusty winds over the next four days.
According to the IMD, the depression, which originated over the south coastal belt of Odisha, moved west-northwestwards and was centered over south interior Odisha, around 50 km north-northwest of Daringabadi, 90 km east of Bhawanipatna, and 90 km southeast of Titlagarh. The system is expected to move further west-northwest across south Odisha and south Chhattisgarh before weakening into a well-marked low-pressure area.
August 21: Thunderstorm activity with gusty winds (30–40 kmph) likely in several parts of Jharkhand. Heavy to very heavy rainfall predicted at isolated places in north-western districts. Heavy rainfall also expected in north-central and adjoining central areas.
August 22: Thunderstorms and lightning, accompanied by gusty winds, at isolated places. Heavy rainfall likely over north-eastern and south-eastern regions.
August 23: Thunderstorms and lightning with gusty winds at isolated places. Moderate to heavy showers predicted in several parts of the state.
The IMD report mentioned that the prevailing monsoon trough extends from Diu–Surat–Nandurbar–Amravati, covering the center of the depression over Odisha and stretching up to the east-central Bay of Bengal, up to 1.5 km above mean sea level. This configuration is maintaining favorable conditions for widespread rainfall activity in eastern and central India, including Jharkhand.
Authorities have urged residents to remain alert for possible waterlogging, localized flooding, and lightning strikes during the period of heavy rainfall. Farmers, outdoor workers, and travelers have been advised to take adequate precautions, including avoiding open fields during thunderstorms. Disaster management teams have been asked to remain on standby in vulnerable areas.
With the state already experiencing a deficit monsoon season in many districts, the upcoming spell of rain is expected to provide relief to farmers while also raising concerns of flash floods in low-lying areas.
