IMD issues fresh warning: Jharkhand braces for more heavy rain

Jamshedpur: Just as parts of Jharkhand begin to recover from the torrential downpours and widespread flooding over the past few days, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a fresh warning of very heavy rainfall for isolated areas in northwestern Jharkhand. Several districts in the north-central and northeastern regions are also likely to witness heavy rains, accompanied by thunderstorms, lightning, and gusty winds, adding to the weather-related concerns of citizens and authorities alike.

According to the IMD bulletin released on Thursday evening, thunderstorms with lightning and winds ranging between 30 to 40 kmph are expected in several parts of the state. The ongoing wet spell, driven by strong monsoon systems in the region, is likely to persist and may intensify through the weekend and early next week.

Forecast Breakdown: June 21 (Friday): Heavy to very heavy rainfall is likely over isolated pockets of northwestern and northeastern Jharkhand, including districts such as Chatra, Latehar, Palamu, Sahibganj, and Pakur. Thunderstorms are forecast across the entire state, increasing the risk of localized flooding, fallen trees, and disruption in electricity supply.

June 22–23 (Saturday–Sunday): Thunderstorms accompanied by lightning are expected to affect isolated locations across Jharkhand. Though the intensity of rainfall may reduce compared to Friday, gusty winds and frequent lightning strikes pose risks to life and property, especially in open and unprotected areas.

June 24 (Monday): The northeastern and southeastern districts — including areas like Dumka, Jamtara, and East Singhbhum — are likely to receive heavy rainfall once again, potentially aggravating ongoing flood situations in river catchment areas.

Meanwhile, the southwest monsoon has progressed further into most parts of Bihar and parts of eastern Uttar Pradesh. Meteorologists indicate that the active monsoon phase is now well-established over eastern India, fueled by strong low-pressure systems and upper-level atmospheric disturbances.

A well-marked low-pressure area continues to hover over northeast Jharkhand and adjoining parts of Gangetic West Bengal. This system is embedded with an upper-air cyclonic circulation extending up to 7.6 kilometers above sea level, and is expected to drift slowly northwestward over the next 24 hours. This movement is likely to sustain and even enhance rainfall intensity over north-central and northeastern Jharkhand.

Additionally, an east-west trough line — a classic monsoon feature — now extends from South Punjab through Haryana, central Uttar Pradesh, and Bihar to South Assam, passing directly through the low-pressure area. This trough is further strengthening convective activity and moisture inflow from the Bay of Bengal, which is expected to result in consistent rain across a broad swathe of eastern India.

With rivers like Swarnarekha and Kharkai already flowing above danger levels in Jamshedpur and other low-lying areas, the forecast has raised alarms for further flooding. The district administrations in affected areas have been put on alert. Relief camps are already operating in cities like Jamshedpur where more than 150 families have been displaced.

Officials from the disaster management departments have been asked to stay on standby, with boats, life jackets, food supplies, and medical kits ready for emergency deployment.