Fresh spell of heavy rain likely in Jharkhand

Jamshedpur: India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast a fresh spell of intense weather activity across Jharkhand in the coming days under the influence of a low-pressure system developing over the Bay of Bengal.

According to IMD, an upper air cyclonic circulation persists over the west-central and adjoining northwest Bay of Bengal off the north Andhra Pradesh and south Odisha coasts. Under its impact, a low-pressure area has formed, which is likely to intensify into a depression and move west-northwestwards, crossing the south Odisha–north Andhra Pradesh coasts around the forenoon of August 19.

The weather office has issued the following forecast: August 19: Thunderstorms and lightning with gusty winds (30–40 kmph) likely at isolated places. August 20: Heavy rainfall expected at isolated locations over the north-eastern and adjoining central parts of Jharkhand. August 21: Thunderstorm and lightning with gusty winds at isolated places. August 22–23: Heavy rainfall likely at isolated places across the state.

Meanwhile, the monsoon trough at mean sea level extends from Jaisalmer through Vidarbha and Jagdalpur to the east-central Bay of Bengal. Monsoon activity had remained weak over Jharkhand during the last two days, with very light to light showers reported at isolated places.

The IMD has advised residents, especially in vulnerable districts, to stay alert for waterlogging, lightning strikes, and gusty winds during this forecast period.