Monsoon activity has not completely subsided in Jharkhand, with rain expected in Ranchi and several other districts on Friday. The weather department has forecast rain accompanied by thunder and lightning at several places, along with b winds at speeds of 30 to 40 kilometres per hour.
Rain with thunder and b winds may occur in parts of the state on Friday. People have also been advised to remain alert because of the possibility of lightning.
The main reason for the changing weather is the continued arrival of moist winds from the Bay of Bengal, despite the weakening of the seasonal system. The low-pressure area that had moved towards the northwest has weakened, but sufficient moisture remains over the state. As a result, clouds and rain are expected to continue in several areas.
Similar weather conditions are expected on Saturday. On Sunday, heavy rain has been forecast in several areas of Palamu, Garhwa, Chatra, Gumla, Simdega and West Singhbhum.
People need to take special precautions because of b winds accompanying the rain. During bad weather, people are advised to stay away from open fields, trees, electricity poles and weak structures. Staying indoors is considered safer, particularly during lightning.
The weather department has advised people not to go outside unnecessarily during thunderstorms and lightning. People should avoid open areas and keep track of the latest weather warnings.
West Singhbhum has recorded the highest rainfall among the districts of the state during the current monsoon season. From June 1 to August 20, the district received 1035.5 mm of rainfall, against normal rainfall of 714.3 mm. This means rainfall in the district was around 45 percent above normal.
In contrast, Jharkhand received 636.6 mm of rainfall from June 1 to August 20, against normal rainfall of 711.7 mm during the period. Overall, rainfall in the state remained around 11 percent below normal.
There is considerable variation in rainfall across the districts. While West Singhbhum received rainfall considerably above normal, some districts continue to face a rainfall deficit.
Deoghar recorded 46 percent less rainfall than normal, while Bokaro recorded 26 percent less rainfall. Koderma and some other districts also received less rainfall compared with normal levels.
Light to moderate rain was recorded in parts of the state during the past 24 hours. Rain accompanied by thunder and lightning was also recorded at some places.
According to available weather data, Hunterganj recorded the highest rainfall during this period at 58.8 mm.
Rainfall has also led to fluctuations in temperatures across several districts. During the past 24 hours, the maximum temperature in Baharagora was recorded at 34.1 degrees Celsius, while Namkum recorded a minimum temperature of 21 degrees Celsius.
According to the weather department, rainfall activity is not expected to end completely in the coming days. Heavy rain accompanied by thunder and lightning may occur at some places. The risk of b winds and lightning will also remain.
In Ranchi, cloudy conditions and intermittent rain are expected. Rain may cause waterlogging in low-lying areas of the city. In rural areas, movement may also be affected on unpaved roads and in low-lying areas.
Because West Singhbhum has received above-normal rainfall, water levels in rivers, streams and other water sources are also being monitored. People in areas receiving continuous rainfall have been advised to avoid going near rivers and streams with b currents.
Rain may be beneficial for farmers in several areas, but continuous heavy rain can also cause waterlogging in fields. Local drainage arrangements therefore need to be maintained.
Jharkhand continues to remain under the influence of the monsoon. Although the system has weakened, moist winds arriving from the Bay of Bengal are expected to keep rainfall activity going in several parts of the state. Caution is required today because of b winds of 30 to 40 km per hour, thunderstorms and rain.
