UditVani, Jamshedpur : Jharkhand is expected to witness a spell of intense rainfall activity from July 14 to July 17, with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) predicting heavy to very heavy downpours across multiple regions of the state.
The warnings come amid the development of two significant weather systems and an active monsoon trough.
Rainfall Forecast Overview
According to IMD’s latest bulletin:
On July 14, very heavy rainfall is likely over parts of South-Western Jharkhand, while heavy rain may lash South-Eastern, Central, and some North-Western districts. Thunderstorms and lightning, accompanied by gusty winds reaching speeds up to 40 kmph, may also occur at isolated locations.
On July 15, rainfall activity is expected to shift northwards, with very heavy showers over the North-Western districts. Heavy rainfall is also likely in North-Eastern and adjoining Central parts. The threat of thunderstorms with lightning remains in place.
On July 16, very heavy rain is forecast over North-Western and North-Central districts, with heavy rain also likely over parts of North-Eastern Jharkhand. Thunderstorms and strong winds are expected to persist.
On July 17, the intensity may reduce slightly, but isolated places across the state could still experience thunderstorm and lightning activity.
Weather Systems Driving the Activity
The impending wet spell is being triggered by a combination of meteorological developments:
A cyclonic circulation over the north Bay of Bengal, extending up to 5.8 km above sea level, is likely to give rise to a low-pressure area over the northwest Bay and adjoining coastal areas of Odisha and West Bengal within the next 24 hours.
Simultaneously, another upper air cyclonic circulation persists over north Madhya Pradesh, which is also expected to evolve into a low-pressure area over the region.
The monsoon trough at mean sea level, a key driver of monsoon rains, currently stretches across Bikaner, Gwalior, Banda, Sidhi, Jamshedpur, and Digha, before descending into the northeast Bay of Bengal. This trough is situated around 3.1 km above mean sea level and is tilting southwestward with height — a typical condition favorable for widespread rain.
Precautionary Measures Recommended
Authorities have advised residents, particularly those in low-lying, riverine, and hilly areas, to stay alert and follow updates from local disaster management units.
Waterlogging, temporary flooding, landslides, and travel disruptions are likely in vulnerable zones.
Farmers, too, are urged to take protective steps for their crops and livestock, considering the intensity and spread of rainfall predicted over the next few days.
The IMD continues to monitor developments closely and will issue updated warnings as required.
