Jharkhand is likely to receive widespread rainfall, isolated heavy showers, thunderstorms and gusty winds on October 28 and 29 as a low-pressure system over the Bay of Bengal is expected to intensify into a cyclonic storm, the Ranchi Meteorological Centre said on Friday.
The system is currently located over the east-central and adjoining southeast Bay of Bengal, with an associated cyclonic circulation extending up to 5.8 km above mean sea level. According to the bulletin issued by the Ranchi Meteorological Centre, the system is expected to move west-northwestwards towards the north Andhra Pradesh and adjoining south Odisha coasts.
The weather system is forecast to intensify into a depression on October 24 and a deep depression on October 25. It is then expected to develop into a cyclonic storm over the west-central Bay of Bengal by the morning of October 26, before intensifying further while moving towards the Andhra Pradesh and south Odisha coasts.
Rainfall activity in Jharkhand is expected to begin from the evening of October 27. Light to moderate rainfall is likely at most places across the state on October 28 and 29, while heavy rainfall has been forecast at isolated locations on both days.
“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 during the two-day period. Wind speeds may reach 30-40 kmph, with gusts extending up to 50 kmph.
The forecast places local administrations, farmers and residents in areas vulnerable to intense rainfall under a preparedness requirement. The bulletin did not specify particular districts expected to receive the heaviest rain, but advised authorities and residents to remain alert as the system develops and its track and intensity become clearer.
For cities and towns, the combination of heavy showers, lightning and strong gusts may require attention to stormwater drainage, road conditions, power infrastructure and outdoor activity. The supplied forecast, however, does not identify specific urban disruptions, evacuation measures or local advisories.
Jharkhand experienced dry weather in the 24 hours ending at 8.30am on Friday. Jagannathpur recorded the highest temperature in the state at 34°C, while Latehar recorded the lowest at 13.8°C. In Ranchi, the maximum temperature was 29.8°C and the minimum was 15.8°C.
The Ranchi Meteorological Centre’s forecast covers the period after the expected intensification of the Bay of Bengal system, with rainfall in Jharkhand projected to start on October 27 and peak in widespread coverage on October 28 and 29.
