Southwest monsoon onset over Jharkhand likely on time: Met office

Ranchi: The southwest monsoon currents will set over Jharkhand on time this year, the Ranchi office of the India Meteorological Department (IMD) said on Tuesday. The normal onset of monsoon in the state, which typically occurs from Sahibganj district in the north, is between June 13 and June 15.

“So far, the conditions are favourable for the southwest monsoon to hit Jharkhand on time. The chances of delay in the arrival of monsoon in the state may only occur in case of any disturbances or low-pressure formation. Otherwise, there should not be any delays,” Baburaj PP, the director of the Ranchi Met office, said.

Notably, the IMD on Tuesday said that the southwest monsoon is likely to set in over Kerala around June 4.

Meanwhile, the Ranchi met office said that there will be a rise in day temperatures from 2 to 4 degrees C at various places across the state, including Ranchi, but night temperatures are likely to fall due to pre-monsoon showers in the afternoons or evening at isolated places.

“Only the districts in the northwestern parts of the state such as Garhwa, Palamu, Chatra and Latehar will be hotter, with temperatures going beyond 40 degrees C, while in other districts the daytime temperatures are not likely to cross the 40 degrees C mark,” Baburaj said.

The Met office also issued a yellow alert for thunderstorms, lightning and gusty winds for the next few days at isolated places over the state.

During the past 24 hours till Tuesday morning, light to moderate rainfall with thunderstorms happened at isolated places in the state. The highest rainfall of 21.6 mm was observed at Ranchi airport. At 40 degrees C, Daltonganj recorded the highest maximum temperature across the state. Ranchi recorded 33 degrees Celsius.