Widespread rainfall alert in Jharkhand

Jamshedpur: India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a multi-day weather alert for Jharkhand, warning of intense rainfall activity and thunderstorms over large parts of the state from July 3 to July 6. The alert has put district administrations on high alert, particularly in the northern regions of the state which are expected to bear the brunt of the weather system.

The ongoing monsoon activity is being driven by a well-marked low-pressure area currently lying over Jharkhand and its adjoining regions. According to the IMD bulletin, the system originated over Gangetic West Bengal and north Odisha and has since moved into Jharkhand. The associated cyclonic circulation extends up to 5.8 km above mean sea level and is expected to drift gradually west-northwestwards in the coming 24 hours.

July 3: Heavy rainfall is likely at isolated places over north-western and north-central Jharkhand. Widespread thunderstorms accompanied by lightning may occur across various regions of the state.

July 4: Isolated heavy rainfall is expected over north-central and adjoining north-eastern areas. Thunderstorms and lightning are likely statewide.

July 5: North-western and north-eastern parts of the state are forecast to receive heavy showers, while the rest of Jharkhand may experience lightning and thunderstorm activity.

 July 6: The weather system is expected to maintain its intensity, with isolated heavy rainfall likely over north-western and adjoining north-central parts of the state.

The monsoon trough at mean sea level is currently active and stretches from Sri Ganganagar in Rajasthan to the Bay of Bengal, passing through Rohtak, Kanpur, Varanasi, the low-pressure center over Jharkhand, and Digha. In addition, a mid-tropospheric trough is extending from northwest Uttar Pradesh to the cyclonic circulation over Jharkhand, significantly enhancing the rainfall potential across the region.

The IMD has advised residents, particularly in northern Jharkhand, to remain alert and take precautions against potential waterlogging, lightning strikes, and temporary disruptions to local transport and electricity services. Urban and rural administrations have been urged to stay prepared for possible emergency responses and to issue public advisories as needed.