Delayed by four days, the southwest monsoon set in over Kerala on Friday, raising hopes for shower bounty in Jharkhand by June 16 amid projections of below-normal rains this year.
According to the Met department, it takes monsoon around 10-15 days to reach Jharkhand after its arrival in Kerala, implying the date of onset of monsoon in the State should be between June15-20.
Scientist at Birsa Agriculture University (BAU) A Wadood said, "This year monsoon is expected to hit the State around June 16. Moreover, there are very narrow chances of short spell of rain due to formation of local clouds. The temp will hover around 40 to 43 degrees Celsius in the coming days." Moreover, the morning humidity is above 80 per cent and evening around 52-53 per cent. The prevailing sweltering scenario is due to existence of humid and warm weather condition, added the Met department.
However, with the Indian Meteorology Department (IMD) forecast of 'below average' rainfall across the country, Jharkhand is also expected to receive less rainfall. The normal rainfall for the State is between 1,200 and 1,300 mm and for the past three years, the State is receiving rainfall between normal and above normal.
In 2011, the State received 2,400 mm rainfall above normal, while in 2012, it received around 1,276mm rains and approx, 1,256 mm rains in the year 2013.
"This year it is predicted that the State will receive 5% below the average rainfall. This spell of rain is crucial for kharif crops and shortage of rainfall will lead to sharp decline in its cultivation," added Wadood.
Meanwhile, in many places of the State temperature was recorded around 40 degrees Celsius and above. As per the prediction of Met department officials the present scenario will continue for next 72 hours and even there are chances of rise in temperature by two to three degrees Celsius. Besides, residents are crying for the sudden respite from the scorching and sweltering heat which has taken its toll on them completely.
An employee in a private firm, Prabhat Kumar cursing the unpardonable heat commented, "life has become miserable. One side this sweltering heat and other defunct air conditioner (ac) at my office. Working for around 10 hours without ac gives me feeling of boiling like potatoes inside a pressure cooker." The city is witnessing power cut for around six to seven hours a day. Jharkhand State Electricity Department Superintendent Engineer Anil Kumar said, "Due to system constraints in some areas like Ratu road, ITI and Singh 'more' the problem of load shedding is prevalent. We are trying to sort out the problem as soon as possible."