Monsoon set to hit Jharkhand between June 17 and 19, IMD issues rain alert

Jamshedpur: The long wait for monsoon showers in Jharkhand is nearly over. According to Abhishek Anand, Head of the Meteorological Centre, Ranchi, the South-West Monsoon is expected to enter Jharkhand between June 17 and 19, bringing heavy to very heavy rains in parts of the state.

At a media briefing on Sunday, Anand confirmed that pre-monsoon activity is set to commence from June 15 (Sunday) itself, with light to moderate rainfall likely in several areas. He added that conditions are favourable for monsoon onset and rapid progression in the coming days.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has sounded a ‘Yellow Alert’ for Monday in parts of southwestern and central Jharkhand, warning of heavy rain in isolated areas due to cyclonic circulation. Further intensification of rainfall is expected between June 17 and 19, for which an ‘Orange Alert’—indicating heavy to very heavy rain—has been issued for a two-day period.

“Between June 17 and 20, heavy rain is likely across many regions, especially in the southwestern and central districts,” Anand said. He cautioned residents to stay informed and urged local authorities to prepare for potential waterlogging and disruptions during this period.

Though the monsoon has arrived in Kerala early this year (on May 24), its progress through central India has been steady. As per historical data, Jharkhand typically sees monsoon onset between June 12 and 25. “This year’s arrival is within the normal range,” Anand reassured, adding that the overall monsoon season (June–September) is likely to bring normal rainfall across the state.

As of June 14, Jharkhand has received 58% less rainfall compared to the normal seasonal average. The state recorded just 20.8 mm of rain between June 1 and June 14, against a normal expectation of 49.1 mm, as per IMD data.

The rainfall from June 1 to September 30 is officially counted as the monsoon period, crucial for agriculture in Jharkhand where a large section of the population depends on rain-fed farming.

The rainfall data and early forecasts have drawn attention back to the state’s drought history. In 2024, 158 blocks in 17 districts were declared drought-hit, while in 2022, 226 of 260 blocks were affected due to erratic rainfall, especially in June and July.

This year, the forecast of normal monsoon brings relief for farmers and state authorities alike. However, the initial dry spell and monsoon delay underline the importance of timely rainfall in safeguarding agricultural activities.

With the monsoon clouds gathering, all eyes will now be on the sky and the rain gauges. Farmers, civic authorities, and residents alike are gearing up as Jharkhand prepares to welcome the rains—hoping they arrive on time, in full, and without disaster.