Depression Keeps Jharkhand Under Rain Watch, Heavy Showers to Continue

Jamshedpur: Widespread rain continued to lash several parts of Jharkhand on Tuesday, bringing much-needed relief from the humid conditions even as the India Meteorological Department (IMD) warned of more showers, thunderstorms and gusty winds across the state over the next few days.

The IMD's Meteorological Centre in Ranchi said the well-marked depression over south Jharkhand and adjoining north interior Odisha has moved northwestwards and continues to influence the state's weather. 

Under its impact, generally cloudy skies with light to moderate rain or thundershowers are likely at most places till July 10, while isolated districts may receive heavy rainfall.

The weather office has warned of thunderstorms accompanied by lightning and gusty winds reaching 40-50 kmph at isolated places across Jharkhand between July 7 and July 10. 

Heavy rainfall is also likely over isolated pockets of the north-eastern and adjoining central districts during this period.

According to the IMD, there will be no significant change in maximum temperatures over the next three days, followed by a gradual rise of 2-4 degrees Celsius during the subsequent two days.

During the last 48- hours, light to moderate rain with thunderstorms occurred at many places in the state, while heavy rainfall was recorded at isolated locations. Nimdih in Seraikela-Kharsawan district recorded the highest rainfall at 79.8 mm, followed by Chaibasa (48.7 mm) and Ranchi (37 mm). 

Jamshedpur received 17.1 mm of rain, while Bokaro recorded 13 mm and Seraikela 14.5 mm.

Among major observatories, Daltonganj was the hottest place in Jharkhand in past 24- hours with a maximum temperature of 31.4°C, whereas Kanke recorded the state's lowest minimum temperature at 19.2°C. 

Jamshedpur registered a maximum temperature of 30°C, about 2.5 degrees below normal, with a minimum of 24.8°C.

The rain has brought welcome respite from the sultry weather that prevailed over the past few days.

 However, waterlogging was reported from several low-lying areas after intermittent spells of rain, affecting traffic during peak hours.

"The weather has become much more pleasant compared to last week. The frequent showers have reduced the heat, though commuting during heavy rain remains a challenge," said Rakesh Singh, a resident of Bistupur.

Meteorologists attributed the prevailing weather to the depression moving across Jharkhand along with an active monsoon trough extending from southwest Rajasthan to the Bay of Bengal. 

The favourable synoptic conditions are expected to sustain rainfall activity across the state for the next few days.