Ranchi, July 21: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a four-day yellow alert for Jharkhand, warning of thunderstorms, lightning and gusty winds of 30–40 kmph from Wednesday to Saturday, with heavy rainfall forecast over several districts later this week.
According to the IMD, heavy rain is likely at isolated places over southern, central and northwestern parts of the state on Friday, covering Ranchi, Khunti, Gumla, Lohardaga, Latehar, Palamu and Garhwa. On Saturday, the heavy rainfall alert extends to Ranchi, Khunti, Gumla, Lohardaga, Ramgarh and Bokaro.
The weather office said thunderstorms accompanied by lightning and gusty winds are likely at isolated places across Jharkhand during the four-day alert period and advised residents to avoid open spaces and taking shelter under trees during adverse weather conditions.
“Heavy rainfall is likely at isolated places over southern, central and northwestern parts of Jharkhand on Friday and over southern and central parts on Saturday,” the IMD said in its advisory.
The IMD attributed the expected spell of heavy rainfall to the prevailing synoptic conditions. Ranchi Meteorological Centre Director Baburaj PP said the monsoon trough at mean sea level currently passes through Sriganganagar, Rohtak, Hamirpur, Sidhi, Ranchi and Digha, extending southeastwards towards the northwest Bay of Bengal. An upper air cyclonic circulation over north Chhattisgarh is also contributing to the weather system.
“Heavy rain has been predicted as the monsoon trough at mean sea level now passes through Sriganganagar, Rohtak, Hamirpur, Sidhi, Ranchi and Digha and extends southeastwards towards the northwest Bay of Bengal,” Baburaj PP said.
The monsoon is expected to remain active across the state, bringing light to moderate rainfall to most districts and heavy showers at isolated places in 13 districts, including Ranchi, Bokaro, East Singhbhum, West Singhbhum, Khunti, Gumla, Simdega, Saraikela-Kharsawan, Ramgarh, Dhanbad, Deoghar, Dumka and Hazaribagh.
The IMD has also warned of lightning and strong winds in several districts and urged farmers and people working in open fields to remain cautious.
As of Tuesday, Jharkhand had recorded a 30 per cent rainfall deficit, receiving 282.2 mm of rainfall against the normal 403.4 mm since June 1. Officials, however, said the forecast rainfall could help narrow the deficit and improve conditions for kharif crop cultivation.
While cooler weather is expected in Ranchi, Netarhat, Gumla, Simdega and Khunti due to rainfall and cloud cover, districts such as Palamu, Garhwa, Latehar and Chatra are likely to remain relatively warmer and more humid.
The IMD has advised residents to monitor weather updates and avoid unnecessary outdoor activities during periods of thunderstorms and lightning.
