Jharkhand has recorded a further advance of the southwest monsoon, with its arrival now confirmed in Ranchi and eight additional districts. According to the Meteorological Department, the monsoon is expected to become active across the entire state within the next five days.
The latest phase of the monsoon's progress has covered Ranchi, Khunti, Ramgarh, Dhanbad, Bokaro, East Singhbhum, Seraikela-Kharsawan and West Singhbhum districts. The Meteorological Centre in Ranchi said monsoon activity is steadily increasing and is likely to spread across the remaining parts of the state over the coming days.
Meteorologists said the northern limit of the monsoon is currently passing through the Ranchi, Jamui and Muzaffarpur region. As a result, weather conditions are changing rapidly across different parts of the state, with several areas receiving rainfall.
During the last 24 hours, rainfall was recorded in multiple districts. Ranchi received the highest rainfall at 86.4 mm. Ramgarh recorded 40 mm of rainfall, followed by Gumla at 25.8 mm and Latehar at 18.5 mm.
In the Kolhan region, West Singhbhum recorded 16.6 mm of rainfall, Simdega received 16.2 mm and East Singhbhum registered 12.4 mm. Lohardaga also recorded light rainfall of 6.2 mm.
The rainfall has led to a decline in temperatures in several areas. Weather conditions have become cooler following the showers.
According to the Meteorological Department, rainfall intensity may remain lower in some areas over the next two days. However, cloudy skies, b winds and light to moderate showers accompanied by thunderstorms are expected at isolated places.
Weather experts said monsoon activity has not weakened completely and is gradually advancing toward the remaining parts of the state. Weather conditions may therefore continue to change across Jharkhand in the coming days.
Despite increased monsoon activity, cumulative rainfall in the state remains below normal. Jharkhand has recorded 29.4 mm of rainfall so far in June, compared with the normal rainfall of 55.6 mm, representing a deficit of about 47 percent.
Ranchi has performed better than the state average. The capital has recorded 86.4 mm of rainfall so far in June, compared with its normal rainfall of 57 mm, which is about 51 percent higher than normal.
The advance of the monsoon is expected to provide relief to farmers across the state. Adequate soil moisture is required for the sowing of kharif crops, including paddy. The Meteorological Department estimates that if the monsoon becomes active across the entire state within the next five days, agricultural activities could benefit.
The department has advised residents to remain cautious during thunderstorms and b winds and to monitor the latest weather updates.
