Monsoon Likely to Arrive in Jharkhand Between June 17–19; Heavy Rainfall Expected in Several Districts

The southwest monsoon is expected to arrive in Jharkhand between June 17 and 19, with widespread rainfall forecast across the state during this period, a senior weather official said on Sunday.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a ‘yellow’ alert for Monday in parts of southwest and central Jharkhand, warning of localized heavy rainfall. A more severe ‘orange’ alert has been issued for June 17 and 18, indicating the likelihood of heavy to very heavy rainfall in these regions.

“Pre-monsoon activity is expected to begin from Sunday. Current conditions are favourable for the onset of monsoon between June 17 and June 19,” said Abhishek Anand, Deputy Director of the Ranchi Meteorological Centre.

This year, the monsoon reached Kerala on May 24, a week ahead of its usual schedule. Historically, the monsoon reaches Jharkhand between June 12 and June 25, as per IMD data.

Anand added that overall rainfall during the four-month monsoon season (June–September) is expected to be normal in the state.

Rainfall Forecast and Current Deficiency

• Light to moderate rainfall is expected in various parts of Jharkhand on Sunday.

• Some areas may experience heavy rainfall on Monday, driven by an active cyclonic circulation.

• From June 17 to 20, widespread showers are expected across the state, with heavy to very heavy rainfall in some districts in southwest and central Jharkhand.

Despite the anticipated arrival of monsoon, Jharkhand has experienced a 58% rainfall deficit so far this season. Between June 1 and June 14, the state recorded just 20.8 mm of rainfall, compared to the normal 49.1 mm, according to IMD data.

The monsoon period, officially observed from June 1 to September 30, is critical for agriculture in the state. Jharkhand received normal rainfall during the 2023 monsoon, but past seasons have seen drought-like conditions.

In 2023, the state government declared 158 blocks across 17 districts as drought-affected. In 2022, that number rose to 226 out of 260 blocks, primarily due to scanty rainfall in June and July.