Heavy rainfall in Jharkhand till August 25

Jamshedpur: The Ranchi Meteorological Centre has issued a weather alert warning of heavy to very heavy rainfall in several parts of Jharkhand over the next four days, accompanied by thunderstorms and gusty winds.

According to the forecast, thunderstorms with lightning and winds reaching 30 to 40 kmph are expected at isolated places, which may disrupt normal life and require residents to remain cautious.

On August 23, the north-western districts of the state are likely to experience heavy to very heavy rainfall, while isolated heavy showers are also expected in the south-western, north-eastern, and adjoining central regions, along with thunderstorms and gusty winds.

The following day, August 24, heavy rainfall may occur at isolated places in southern, central, and north-eastern Jharkhand, with thunderstorms and lightning likely in several areas. On August 25, the western and adjoining central parts of the state may witness heavy rainfall at isolated places, while thunderstorms with lightning and gusty winds are predicted across most regions.

Meteorologists have explained that these weather conditions are being influenced by several active systems. The monsoon trough currently passes through Jaisalmer, Kota, Datia, Sidhi, Ranchi, Bankura, and Digha, and extends southeastwards into the east-central Bay of Bengal up to 1.5 km above mean sea level.

An upper air cyclonic circulation is also persisting over northwest Madhya Pradesh and adjoining areas, extending up to 7.6 km above mean sea level. Another circulation lies over north Odisha and adjoining Gangetic West Bengal at around 5.8 km above mean sea level. In addition, a shear zone along latitude 24°N between 3.1 and 5.8 km above mean sea level is further influencing the weather pattern and contributing to the possibility of widespread rainfall in Jharkhand.

The Meteorological Centre has advised citizens to remain alert during this period of unstable weather, avoid unnecessary travel during heavy downpours, and take special precautions against lightning strikes and gusty winds. Farmers, daily commuters, and residents in low-lying areas have been asked to stay vigilant as continuous rain may lead to waterlogging and disruption of normal activities. Authorities have also urged people to keep a close watch on weather updates and follow safety guidelines to minimise risks during the spell of heavy monsoon showers.