Monsoon activity set to intensify across Jharkhand

Mail News Service

Jamshedpur, June 20: With monsoon activity gradually gaining momentum, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast widespread thunderstorm activity accompanied by lightning and gusty winds across Jharkhand over the next several days, raising hopes of improved rainfall after a prolonged dry spell in many districts.
The latest bulletin issued by the Meteorological Centre, Ranchi, predicts thunderstorms, lightning and gusty winds of 40-50 kmph at isolated places across the state till June 25. On June 20, stronger winds reaching up to 60 kmph are likely over eastern and adjoining central parts of Jharkhand. The department has also warned of hot and humid conditions in pockets of north-western districts, including Garhwa, Palamu and Chatra.
For Ranchi and neighbouring areas, weather conditions are expected to remain favourable for intermittent showers and thunderstorms over the next five days. The forecast suggests predominantly cloudy skies with one or two spells of rain, keeping daytime temperatures in the range of 31°C to 33°C.
Despite the arrival of the southwest monsoon, rainfall remains significantly below normal across much of the state. Data released by the IMD shows Jharkhand has recorded an overall rainfall deficit of 56 per cent between June 1 and June 19. Several districts, including Garhwa, Sahibganj, Palamu and Chatra, continue to face severe rainfall shortages.
The realised weather report indicated that Jamshedpur recorded a maximum temperature of 38°C and a minimum of 24.3°C , while Daltonganj recorded 38.6°C today.

“The weather has become extremely humid over the past week. We are eagerly waiting for consistent rainfall as it will bring relief from the discomfort and improve water availability,” said Rajesh Kumar, a resident of Mango in Jamshedpur.

The IMD has advised people to remain cautious during thunderstorm activity and avoid open fields, water bodies and isolated trees when lightning occurs.