Monsoon Onset Likely Over Jharkhand Around June 19, North Bengal To Receive Heavy Rain In A Few Days

The onset of monsoon over Jharkhand is likely to happen around June 19, while the southwest monsoon is expected to advance into the whole of sub-Himalayan Bengal in the next four to five days.

Jharkhand, which is presently reeling under heatwave conditions is likely to experience respite from heat as the onset of monsoon over the state is expected to happen around June 19. Meanwhile, the southwest monsoon is likely to advance into the whole of sub-Himalayan West Bengal and parts of the Gangetic West Bengal in the next four to five days.

The delayed monsoon and persisting heatwave conditions have aggravated Jharkhand’s rainfall deficiency to 54 per cent. This may rise further as the onset of monsoon is expected around June 19, news agency PTI reported citing a weather official. 

Several parts of Jharkhand have been suffering in the scorching heat with temperature over 40 degrees Celsius. The highest maximum temperature was recorded in Daltonganj at 46.5 degrees Celsius on Thursday.

“The current progress of the monsoon is tardy. It is likely to get momentum after June 16 and we are expecting the onset of monsoon over Jharkhand around June 19," in charge of Ranchi Meteorological Centre, Abhishek Anand, told PTI.

As per the records at the MeT office, the normal date for monsoon onset in Jharkhand is June 10. However, since 2010, it has been reaching Jharkhand between June 12 and June 25. 

Anand stated that the current situation suggests that the rainfall in June might be deficient. But, it is expected to increase in July.

Jharkhand has received merely 20.2 mm rainfall between June 1 and June 13, against the normal 43.4 mm rainfall, which is 54 per cent deficient.

Meanwhile, severe heatwave continues in various parts of the state. Jharkhand's highest maximum temperature was recorded in Daltonganj district, followed by Garhwa, which recorded 45.7 degrees. Jamshedpur simmered as well with mercury touching 44.2 degrees.

Jharkhand’s capital Ranchi also sizzled with the maximum temperature reaching 41 degrees Celsius on June 13.

Heavy To Very Heavy Rainfall Over Bengal's Northern Districts

In the next four to five days, the southwest monsoon is likely to advance into the whole of sub-Himalayan West Bengal as well as in some parts of Gangetic West Bengal, the Met Department stated.

The northern districts of the state that are reeling under the incessant rains for the past few days are likely to continue receiving heavy to very heavy rainfall at one or two places.

"While the sub-Himalayan districts are facing disruption in a few areas owing to heavy rain, some districts in south Bengal are likely to experience heatwave and severe heatwave conditions for the next few days," the weather office said.

The weather department has also warned of landslides in Kalimpong and Darjeeling districts' hilly areas.

"The water level is likely to rise in rivers flowing through the sub-Himalayan districts, including Teesta, Jaldhaka, Sankosh and Torsa," it said.

In view of the heavy rains, the Met Department has also recommended proper regulation of traffic and advised against movement in landslide-prone areas in the hilly regions.

"In the past 24 hours till 8.30 am on Friday, Rongo in Kalimpong district recorded the highest rainfall in West Bengal at 150 mm, followed by Alipurduar (140 mm), Jhalong (140 mm), Dhupguri (120 mm), Sevoke (100 mm), Pundibari (100 mm) and Champasari (80 mm)," the weather department stated.

In the next few days, the weather department has forecast heavy to very heavy rain in Cooch Behar, Alipurduar,Jalpaiguri, Darjeeling and Kalimpong districts. Additionally, the Alipurduar district is likely to receive extremely heavy rainfall till Saturday.