Heavy rainfall, thunderstorm warnings issued for Jharkhand

Jamshedpur: India Meteorological Department (IMD) has sounded alerts for heavy rainfall and thunderstorm activity across various districts of Jharkhand over the next few days, as a low-pressure system and associated cyclonic circulations continue to influence the state’s weather conditions.

According to the IMD bulletin, thunderstorms and lightning accompanied by gusty winds reaching 30–40 kmph are expected at isolated places on August 26. On August 27, heavy rainfall is likely in the south-eastern parts of the state, with chances of thunderstorms and lightning activity in several districts. The warning persists for August 28, when isolated areas may witness thunderstorm activity with gusty winds of similar intensity. On August 29, heavy downpours are again expected in parts of Jharkhand.

Weather scientists informed that a low-pressure area over west Jharkhand and adjoining regions has now shifted to northeast Madhya Pradesh. This system is accompanied by an upper-air cyclonic circulation extending up to 7.6 km above mean sea level. The system is predicted to move west-northwestwards in the coming days before gradually weakening.

Meanwhile, the monsoon trough at mean sea level currently stretches from Bikaner, Jaipur, Gwalior, Prayagraj, the centre of the low-pressure system over northeast Madhya Pradesh, and further southeast through Purulia, Digha, and into the northeast Bay of Bengal. This elongated trough line continues to feed moisture-laden winds into the eastern and central regions, sustaining widespread rainfall.

Adding to this, another cyclonic circulation persists over central north Madhya Pradesh and adjoining areas of south Uttar Pradesh, extending up to 5.8 km above mean sea level, contributing to the unstable weather patterns.

The IMD further stated that a fresh low-pressure area is likely to form over the northwest Bay of Bengal off the Odisha–West Bengal coasts within the next 24 hours. This new development is expected to intensify rainfall activity over Jharkhand and neighbouring states.

Authorities have urged residents, particularly those in vulnerable areas, to remain cautious over the next few days. The district administrations have also been advised to stay prepared for waterlogging, disruption in traffic, and possible damage to kutcha houses and standing crops.

With continuous systems developing over eastern India, Jharkhand is set to experience a spell of active monsoon conditions through the week, bringing much-needed rainfall but also raising concerns over flooding in low-lying areas.