Jamshedpur: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a weather alert for Jharkhand, forecasting thunderstorms and lightning accompanied by gusty winds with speeds reaching up to 30 kmph at isolated places in the state till September 10. The warning comes at a time when Jharkhand has recorded a 37 per cent rainfall deficit in September alone, even though the overall monsoon rainfall since June continues to show a 22 per cent surplus.
Meteorologists said the monsoon trough currently runs through the centre of depression over North Gujarat and adjoining Southwest Rajasthan. From there, it stretches across Sheopur, Guna, Damoh, Mana, Gopalpur, and extends further southeastwards into the east-central Bay of Bengal. This extended trough is playing a key role in influencing weather conditions across central and eastern India.
In addition, two active upper-air cyclonic circulations have been identified. One is persisting over the northwest Bay of Bengal and adjoining west-central Bay of Bengal, off the coasts of south Odisha and north Andhra Pradesh, at a height of 3.1 to 5.8 km above mean sea level. The second is located over southeast Uttar Pradesh and its neighbourhood at around 1.5 km above mean sea level. Both systems are expected to impact rainfall distribution and intensity in eastern states, including Jharkhand.
Despite these weather systems, Jharkhand experienced weak monsoon activity during the past 24 hours. Light to moderate rainfall was observed at a few locations, but overall precipitation remained subdued. Meteorological experts suggest that the uneven distribution of rain across different districts has contributed to the September deficit.
According to IMD’s rain statistics, Jharkhand’s rainfall deficit for September stands at 37 per cent, pointing to a dry spell in the current month. However, thanks to abundant rains in June, July, and August, the cumulative figure from June till date reflects a 22 per cent surplus. This indicates that while overall monsoon performance has been satisfactory, September has so far failed to bring the expected showers.
The IMD has urged residents, especially in rural and semi-urban areas, to remain alert for thunderstorm activity and lightning strikes till September 10. Farmers have been advised to plan agricultural activities cautiously, given the erratic pattern of rainfall in recent weeks. The coming days will be crucial in determining whether Jharkhand’s September deficit can be balanced out before the withdrawal of monsoon.
