Jamshedpur: The monsoon has entered a highly active phase over Jharkhand, bringing widespread showers and pushing the state’s seasonal rainfall well above normal levels. According to the Meteorological Department, the state has received 517 mm of rainfall so far this monsoon season, against the normal average of 347 mm, marking a significant 49 per cent surplus.
The surplus comes as welcome relief for the agricultural sector, ensuring good soil moisture for sowing and crop growth. However, it has also raised concerns over localised flooding and waterlogging in low-lying areas, particularly in urban pockets.
Weather officials have issued a warning for heavy rain over the northwestern parts of Jharkhand today, accompanied by thunderstorms, lightning, and gusty winds reaching speeds of 30–40 kmph at isolated locations. Residents have been advised to exercise caution, avoid open fields during thunderstorms, and secure loose objects that could be displaced by strong winds.
The forecast for August 3 to 5 also predicts thunderstorms, lightning, and rain at isolated places across the state. Officials have urged farmers to make the most of the current wet spell for agricultural activities while remaining vigilant about possible weather hazards.
Synoptic charts indicate that the monsoon trough at mean sea level is currently positioned through Sri Ganganagar, Rohtak, Shahjahanpur, Gorakhpur, Darbhanga, Shantiniketan, and Canning, before extending to the northeast Bay of Bengal.
An upper air cyclonic circulation persists over East Uttar Pradesh and adjoining areas up to 1.5 km above mean sea level, enhancing rainfall activity over eastern India. In addition, another cyclonic circulation is located over Sub-Himalayan West Bengal and Sikkim, extending up to 9.4 km above mean sea level and tilting southwestwards with height — a configuration that supports moisture convergence and sustained rain activity.
The State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA) has put district administrations on alert, particularly in flood-prone zones and along major rivers. Local bodies have been instructed to clear drains to prevent waterlogging, while electricity departments have been asked to remain on standby to address outages caused by storms.
With the combination of a favourable monsoon trough and multiple cyclonic circulations, meteorologists expect the current wet phase to continue in Jharkhand for the next several days, bringing both opportunities for farmers and challenges for disaster preparedness teams.
