Jharkhand is likely to receive widespread rainfall on October 28 and 29, including isolated heavy showers, thunderstorms, lightning and gusty winds, as a Bay of Bengal weather system is forecast to intensify into a cyclonic storm.
According to a bulletin issued by the Ranchi Meteorological Centre on Friday, a low-pressure area over the east-central and adjoining southeast Bay of Bengal persisted at 8.30am. Its associated cyclonic circulation extended up to 5.8 km above mean sea level.
The system is expected to intensify into a depression on October 24 and a deep depression on October 25. It may develop into a cyclonic storm over the west-central Bay of Bengal by the morning of October 26 before moving west-northwestwards towards the Andhra Pradesh and adjoining south Odisha coasts.
Rainfall activity in Jharkhand is expected to begin from the evening of October 27. Light to moderate rain is likely at most places across the state on October 28 and 29, with heavy rainfall forecast at isolated locations on both days, the bulletin said.
“Under its influence, rainfall activity is expected to begin in Jharkhand from the evening of Oct 27. Light to moderate rainfall is likely at most places across the state on Oct 28 and 29, with heavy rainfall at isolated places on both days,” Baburaj PP, head of the Ranchi Meteorological Centre, said.
The India Meteorological Department has also forecast isolated thunderstorms, lightning and gusty winds over Jharkhand. Wind speeds may reach 30-40 kmph, with gusts of up to 50 kmph. Baburaj advised residents, farmers and local administrations to remain prepared, particularly in areas likely to receive intense rainfall.
The forecast comes after dry weather prevailed across Jharkhand in the 24 hours ending at 8.30am on Friday. Jagannathpur recorded the state’s highest temperature at 34°C, while Latehar recorded the lowest at 13.8°C. Ranchi recorded a maximum temperature of 29.8°C and a minimum of 15.8°C.
