For denizens of Jharkhand and its adjoining areas there is some good news on the monsoon front. Patna Meteorology Department has predicted that the monsoon could hit the State on June 18 following up its arrival in some parts of Bihar on Sunday though its intensity and behaviour are yet to be ascertained.
“The monsoon is progressing rapidly and it is expected to break over Jharkhand and its adjoining areas within the next couple of days. In some areas of Bihar the monsoon has already set in from Sunday and it takes around 48 hours plus or minus few hours, for it to reach Jharkhand. It is likely to be more in the range of minus few hours than plus few hours or between June 17 and 18,” said Director of Patna Met Office AK Sen.
The earliest arrival of monsoon over Jharkhand was in the year 2008, when the winds arrived on June 10. However, the predictions for this year has not been good thus far for the entire country including the predominantly drought hit Jharkhand.
Though at least for initial phase condition for the onset of rainy months looks good. “Conditions have turned favourable for the onset of monsoon in next 48 hours. The arrival of monsoon here is considered to be on time only,” added Sen. However, in the typical years, monsoon usually begins from in and around June 1, but the officials from Meteorology Department had forecasted a five-day delay and below average rainfall in this year’s wet season.
Meanwhile, explaining the reason behind sudden change in weather condition and early onset of monsoon as per the prediction of Indian Meteorology Department (IMD) he further added, “After a short break in the advancement of monsoon in the eastern parts because of the Nanuak cyclone in the Arabian sea, from Saturday itself the eastern part winds started moving further and within a day it has cover sub Himalayan and West Bengal regions and is now gradually moving towards Bihar, Jharkhand and remaining south Bengal region.”
Nevertheless, the news of monsoon arrival on time has triggered hopes of good rains which was playing hide and seek from past two year. Scientist at Birsa Agriculture University (BAU) Dr A Wadood said, “We have alerted the farmers to be prepared with contingency plan with kharif sowing. Seeds had been distributed and plough work in majority of the fields is on the verge of completion. Fingers cross for the future.”
Notably, farmers have been asked by the Agriculture Department to sow the summer seeds early this year as due to the El Nino weather condition the second half of the rainy season during the month of August and September is expected to be drier.
Besides, the residents are also eagerly waiting for a good spell of rain in the state capital.
Housewife Sharda Jain said, “I am eagerly waiting for the arrival of monsoon to heave sight of relief from this sweltering weather. The news of arrival of monsoon in Bihar has raised our hope to experience a pleasant weather soon the upcoming days.