Jamshedpur: India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted that Jharkhand will continue to experience widespread rain activity over the next three days, with heavy to very heavy rainfall likely at isolated locations across the state. The forecast has prompted authorities to issue advisories urging residents to remain alert for possible waterlogging, thunderstorms, and lightning-related hazards.
According to the IMD’s latest bulletin, scattered heavy rainfall is expected over central and adjoining north-eastern districts. Many areas are also likely to witness thunderstorms and lightning accompanied by gusty winds reaching speeds of 30 to 40 kilometres per hour.
On Thursday, July 17, isolated parts of north-western Jharkhand are likely to receive heavy rain, while other regions may experience thunderstorms and lightning. The wet spell is expected to persist on Friday, July 18, with similar weather conditions continuing across several parts of the state.
This round of rainfall follows the weakening of a depression that was positioned over Jharkhand and surrounding regions. The system, which had been driving significant moisture into the state, has moved west-northwestwards and weakened into a well-marked low-pressure area now lying over north Jharkhand and adjoining south Bihar. Meteorological officials expect it to drift further towards eastern Uttar Pradesh within the next 24 hours.
The monsoon trough at mean sea level currently passes through Bikaner, central Rajasthan, Hamirpur, and the low-pressure centre over Jharkhand-Bihar, extending further towards the northeast Bay of Bengal. The alignment of this trough is sustaining active monsoon conditions and continued rainfall across Jharkhand.
Over the last 24 hours, many districts recorded light to moderate rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms. Isolated pockets experienced heavier downpours, with Rajmahal in Sahibganj district receiving the highest rainfall in the state at 187.2 millimetres.
Garhwa reported the highest maximum temperature of 32.5 degrees Celsius, while the lowest minimum temperature of 20.3 degrees Celsius was recorded at Latehar.
The weather department has advised people living in low-lying and vulnerable areas to take necessary precautions against potential flooding, waterlogging, and falling trees or power lines due to gusty winds. Residents are also urged to avoid taking shelter under trees during lightning and to stay updated through official advisories as the system continues to move and influence the regional weather.
