Jharkhand records 26% surplus rainfall, more showers till August 26

Jamshedpur: Jharkhand is in the grip of an active monsoon, with the state recording a rainfall surplus of 26 per cent so far this season. Against a normal average of 711 mm, Jharkhand has received 894 mm of rain, bringing relief to farmers but also raising concerns over flooding in low-lying regions.

The Ranchi Meteorological Centre has issued a series of alerts, predicting widespread rainfall, thunderstorms, and gusty winds across the state from August 21 to 26. The department cautioned that the intensity of the showers will vary across regions but warned of potential risks such as waterlogging, flash floods, and lightning strikes.

By August 22, the system is expected to intensify further, bringing heavy to very heavy rainfall over the north-western belt, while thunderstorms with lightning will remain a threat across the state.

Meteorological officials said the wet spell will persist throughout the week, shifting its impact across different belts of Jharkhand. August 22: Heavy to very heavy rain in north-western districts. August 23–24: North-central, north-eastern, south-western, and central parts to witness heavy showers. August 25–26: Southern districts expected to bear the brunt with intense rainfall and thunder activity.

The low-pressure area that had developed over Chhattisgarh and adjoining east Madhya Pradesh has now weakened. However, an associated cyclonic circulation continues to persist over southeast Madhya Pradesh, extending up to 4.5 km above mean sea level and tilting southwestward with height.

Meanwhile, the monsoon trough remains active, stretching from Nalia in Gujarat through Vallabh Vidyanagar, Betul, Mandla, Sambalpur, Chandbali, and further into the east-central Bay of Bengal. This alignment of systems is fueling moisture inflow into Jharkhand, sustaining the current wet spell.

Officials have advised residents to stay cautious, particularly in flood-prone and low-lying areas, as localized flooding cannot be ruled out with such heavy showers. Thunderstorms with lightning and gusty winds may also pose threats to life and property. The Met department has appealed to farmers, rural communities, and urban residents to avoid open fields and waterlogged zones during storms.

While the rainfall surplus has improved water levels in rivers, dams, and reservoirs, ensuring better irrigation prospects for kharif crops, the uneven distribution of rain has also created challenges. Some areas have reported waterlogging and damage to roads, while others have welcomed the downpour after an early-season dry spell.

Rainfall statistics indicate that most districts have recorded above-normal precipitation, positioning Jharkhand among the states enjoying a healthy monsoon this year.