Monsoon likely to withdraw from Jharkhand in next four days

The Southwest Monsoon is likely to withdraw from the remaining parts of Jharkhand over the next three to four days, even as the state recorded a marginal two per cent rainfall deficit during the June-September season, an India Meteorological Department (IMD) official said on Friday.

The withdrawal began on October 3, two days ahead of its usual onset date of October 5, and has already covered the northwestern districts and parts of central Jharkhand.

These include Garhwa, Chatra, Palamu, Latehar, Lohardaga, Ranchi, Hazaribagh and Koderma, Baburaj PP, director of the Ranchi Meteorological Centre, told PTI.

"Conditions are favourable for further withdrawal of the Southwest Monsoon from the remaining parts of Jharkhand in the next three to four days," he said.

The monsoon normally completes its withdrawal from Jharkhand by October 10.

Between June 1 and September 30, the state received 1,005.7 mm of rainfall against the normal 1,022.9 mm, translating into a two per cent deficit.

Rainfall was significantly below normal in the early part of the season, with June recording a 58 per cent deficit and July a seven per cent shortfall. The situation improved in August and September, which received 26 per cent and 15 per cent excess rainfall, respectively, the IMD official said.

Of Jharkhand's 24 districts, West Singhbhum and Saraikela-Kharsawan recorded excess rainfall. Fifteen districts received normal rainfall, while seven registered a deficit.

The state also witnessed several spells of heavy to extremely heavy rainfall during the season. June recorded eight days and July six days of heavy rainfall.

In August, Jharkhand experienced one day of extremely heavy rainfall and eight days of very heavy rainfall, while September recorded two days of extremely heavy rainfall, according to the IMD.

At the national level, India received 759.4 mm of rainfall during the southwest monsoon season, against the normal 868.6 mm — a deficit of 12.6 per cent, Baburaj said.

The seasonal outlook for October indicates that Jharkhand is likely to receive below-normal rainfall during the post-monsoon period, he added.