Jharkhand records above-normal rainfall, Jamshedpur tops with 60 % surplus

Mail News Service

Jamshedpur, Sept 14: IMD’s Ranchi Meteorological Centre,  has released rainfall statistics for Jharkhand covering the period June 1 to September 13, , revealing that the state as a whole has received 1,077.9 mm of rainfall against the normal 906.9 mm, marking a 19 % surplus.

District-Wise Highlights

East Singhbhum emerged as the wettest district with 1,564.7 mm rainfall, recording a staggering 60% excess compared to its long-term average.

Ranchi, the state capital, also witnessed significant rains, notching up 1,358.7 mm, which is 47% above normal.

Seraikela-Kharsawan recorded a healthy 53% surplus, while Latehar and Dhanbad too fared well with 42% and 34% excess rainfall respectively.

Khunti, Koderma, Jamtara, and Ramgarh reported surpluses ranging between 21% to 27%, indicating well-distributed rainfall across central Jharkhand.

Deficit Pockets

Not all regions shared the bounty.

Pakur reported a worrying 26% rainfall deficit, recording only 756.3 mm against the normal 1,015.3 mm.

Deoghar (-11%) and Godda (-8%) too remained below par, while Garhwa (-6%) and Hazaribag (-3%) barely fell short of the normal average.

Simdega matched its long-term average, with no departure recorded.

Seasonal Trend

While the state overall enjoyed above-normal precipitation, the fortnightly analysis from September 1 to September 13 paints a different picture.

During this period, Jharkhand received 67 mm of rain, falling short by 38% against the normal 108 mm.

Meteorologists suggest that this dip could indicate a gradual withdrawal of the monsoon from eastern India in the coming weeks.

Expert Observation

Baburaj PP,  Head of the Meteorological Centre, Ranchi, noted that the monsoon’s performance in Jharkhand has been largely satisfactory this season.

“The rainfall has not only rejuvenated agricultural prospects across several districts but also replenished reservoirs. However, deficit-prone districts like Pakur and Deoghar need close monitoring,” he remarked.

Agricultural Implications

With paddy sowing and other kharif activities dependent heavily on rainfall, the surplus in most districts augurs well for Jharkhand’s agrarian economy.

However, the uneven distribution—particularly the scanty rains in a few pockets—could lead to localised stress if dry spells persist in the latter half of September.