Udit Vani, Jamshedpur: The southwest monsoon made a powerful advance across Jharkhand, triggering torrential rainfall in several parts of the state. Jamshedpur received a record 247 mm of rainfall, the highest in the region, closely followed by Seraikela at 237 mm. Ranchi and Latehar too witnessed heavy downpour, recording over 150 mm of rain in the last 24 hours.
The intense rain activity led to a dramatic dip in temperatures, with maximum temperatures falling below 25°C in most districts — bringing much-needed relief from the summer heat but also causing disruption across urban and rural areas.
Heavy Rainfall to Continue
According to the Ranchi Meteorological Centre, the rain spell is far from over. On June 19, extremely heavy rainfall is likely at isolated places in South-Western and Central Jharkhand, while very heavy showers are expected over parts of North-Central and adjoining North-Eastern regions. Several other areas, especially in the South-Eastern and North-Western districts, may receive heavy rainfall. Thunderstorms and lightning accompanied by gusty winds (30–40 km/h) are also likely across isolated parts of the state.
On June 20, very heavy rainfall is forecast over North-Western districts, with heavy rainfall over North-Central and North-Eastern regions, along with thunderstorm activity.
By June 21, heavy rainfall may continue in North-Western and North-Eastern districts, accompanied by isolated thunderstorms and lightning.
Monsoon Progress and Synoptic Situation
The southwest monsoon has further advanced, now covering Jharkhand entirely, along with remaining parts of Gujarat and Chhattisgarh, and parts of Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, East Uttar Pradesh, and Bihar.
The Northern Limit of Monsoon (NLM) currently runs through Barmer, Jodhpur, Jaipur, Gwalior, Khajuraho, Sonbhadra, Gaya, and 30.5°N/82.5°E.
A well-marked low-pressure area persists over Gangetic West Bengal and its neighbourhood, accompanied by an upper air cyclonic circulation.
This system is likely to move slowly northwestward across Jharkhand over the next 24 hours, fuelling further intense rainfall activity.
Residents are urged to remain cautious, especially in low-lying areas vulnerable to waterlogging.
Local authorities are monitoring the situation closely and have advised precautions against lightning and gusty winds.
