State faces 52% rainfall deficit despite early Monsoon

DIVYA MODI

Ranchi

Despite the southwest monsoon reaching Jharkhand on June 12, three days ahead of its normal onset date, the state continues to face a significant rainfall deficit, with precipitation remaining well below normal across most districts.

According to the Meteorological Department, Ranchi, Jharkhand received 29.3 mm of rainfall between June 1 and June 16 against the normal average of 61.1 mm, resulting in a deficit of 52 per cent. Ranchi was the only district to record surplus rainfall, receiving 86.4 mm of rain, 39 per cent above its normal level of 62.1 mm.

Several districts reported severe shortfalls. Chatra and Garhwa received no measurable rainfall, recording a 100 per cent deficit. Palamu and Sahibganj registered deficits of 96 per cent, while Lohardaga recorded a 94 per cent shortfall. Bokaro, Pakur and West Singhbhum reported deficits of 57 per cent, while Deoghar and Godda recorded 71 per cent below-normal rainfall. Saraikela-Kharsawan faced an 80 per cent deficit.

The early arrival of the monsoon has also failed to bring down temperatures significantly. Daltonganj recorded the highest maximum temperature at 42.4 degrees Celsius, 5.5 degrees above normal. Bokaro registered 39.4 degrees Celsius, nearly six degrees above normal, while Jamshedpur and Ranchi recorded 39.2 degrees Celsius and 35.4 degrees Celsius respectively, both above seasonal averages.

The Meteorological Centre has forecast thunderstorms, lightning, gusty winds and light to moderate rainfall in several parts of the state over the next few days. Southern and adjoining central districts may witness winds of 40-50 kmph on June 17, while eastern and adjoining central regions could experience stronger winds of up to 60 kmph on June 19.

The weather office said conditions remain favourable for the further advance of the southwest monsoon over Jharkhand and neighbouring states during the next four to five days.