IMD Warns of Storms and Heavy Rain as monsoon approaches

Jamshedpur: After days of intense heat across large parts of Jharkhand, the much-awaited southwest monsoon appears set to arrive, with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasting its advance into the state within the next three to four days. The weather office has, however, cautioned that the transition could be accompanied by thunderstorms, lightning and strong gusty winds across several districts. 

According to the latest forecast issued by the Meteorological Centre in Ranchi, isolated parts of north-eastern and central Jharkhand—including Dhanbad, Bokaro, Koderma, Hazaribagh, Ranchi, Khunti and Ramgarh—are likely to witness thunderstorms with wind speeds reaching 50-60 kmph on June 11 and 12. 

The rest of the state is expected to experience gusts of 40-50 Kmph along with lightning activity. Heavy rainfall is also on the cards. On June 12, isolated places in East Singhbhum, West Singhbhum, Seraikela-Kharsawan, Bokaro, Giridih, Dhanbad, Dumka, Deoghar and Jamtara may receive heavy showers. 

The rain belt is expected to shift northwards on June 13, affecting Dumka, Jamtara, Deoghar, Sahibganj, Pakur and Godda districts. “Conditions are favourable for the further advance of the southwest monsoon into parts of Jharkhand during the next few days,” the IMD said, raising hopes of widespread rainfall and a gradual easing of summer temperatures.

Even as monsoon clouds gather over eastern India, the heat continued to bite. Daltonganj emerged as the hottest location in the state, recording a sweltering maximum temperature of 43.2°C in past 24-hours. Ranchi registered 36.9°C, while Jamshedpur recorded 36.6°C. Bokaro and Chaibasa reported maximum temperatures of 38.5°C and 35.8°C respectively.

Weather officials noted that pre-monsoon activity has already begun to intensify. Light to moderate rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms was reported from isolated pockets of the state during the past 24 hours. Dumka received the highest rainfall of 37.2 mm, while Khunti recorded 11 mm.

“The coming days are likely to mark a decisive shift in Jharkhand’s weather pattern, with thunderstorm activity paving the way for the monsoon’s arrival,” an IMD official said. For a state reeling under rising temperatures and humid conditions, the forecast offers the first strong indication that relief may finally be in sight.