The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an `orange` alert, forecasting significant rainfall across parts of Jharkhand, including the state capital Ranchi, until July 1. An official said that Ranchi has already been experiencing light to moderate rainfall since Sunday morning, with an anticipated increase in intensity throughout the day.
According to PTI, the `orange` alert, which signifies “be prepared” for heavy rainfall, was specifically issued for the districts of Khunti, Ranchi, Saraikela-Kharswan, East Singhbhum, and West Singhbhum on Sunday in the IMD`s weather bulletin.
Abhishek Anand, Deputy Director of the Ranchi Meteorological Centre, explained the meteorological factors contributing to this weather pattern. “The rainfall will be caused by the formation of a low-pressure area in the northern Bay of Bengal and its subsequent slow movement in a west-northwest direction towards Jharkhand. Additionally, a trough over Jharkhand will also contribute to this heavy rainfall,” he stated.
Looking ahead, an `orange alert` has been extended for June 30th , covering Khunti, Ranchi, Ramgarh, Bokaro, Dhanbad, Saraikela-Kharswan, and West Singhbhum.
Meanwhile for July 1st , the alert shifts to other regions which include Gumla, Garhwa, Palamu, Chatra, Latehar, and Lohardaga, indicating a widespread impact across the state.
However following the IMD`s severe weather warning, the state`s Chief Minister, Hemant Soren, on Sunday, urged the officials from the disaster management department and district administrations to remain vigilant.
Moreover, he conveyed his directives via a post on X, stating, “The weather department has issued a warning of heavy rainfall in districts of the state for the next few days. The disaster management department and all district administrations should maintain constant coordination with the weather department and other agencies, remain alert, and work to provide assistance to the public in all situations.”
मौसम विभाग द्वारा राज्य के जिलों में कुछ दिनों तक भारी बारिश की चेतावनी दी गयी है। आपदा प्रबंधन विभाग और सभी जिला प्रशासन, मौसम विभाग एवं अन्य एजेंसियों के साथ निरंतर समन्वय स्थापित कर अलर्ट मोड पर रहते हुए आमजन को हर परिस्थिति में मदद पहुंचाने का कार्य करें।
— Hemant Soren (@HemantSorenJMM) June 29, 2025
While Jharkhand has, in fact, recorded a significant surplus in rainfall this monsoon season, with an 80 per cent surplus observed between June 1st and June 28th.
The state has collectively received 306.5 mm of rainfall against the normal rainfall figure of 170.3 mm during this period.
While Ranchi district has notably experienced the highest surplus rainfall, registering a remarkable 207 per cent above average, Latehar comes next at 193 per cent.
However, there are some areas that are still grappling with deficits, which includes regions such as Godda and Deoghar which are currently facing rainfall shortfalls of 26 per cent and 22 per cent, respectively, highlighting the uneven distribution of monsoon rains across the state.
The ongoing heavy rainfall is expected to alleviate some of these deficits in the coming days.
(With inputs from PTI)