Ranchi: The state is likely to receive below-normal rainfall across most districts in Aug, the Met office said, raising concerns over kharif sowing and paddy transplantation.The forecast comes amid the IMD’s outlook that countrywide rainfall during the second half of the monsoon — Aug and Sept — is likely to remain below normal. IMD has also warned of the continued risk of El Niño conditions, generally linked to a weaker monsoon in India.“Rainfall over Jharkhand is likely to be below normal in most parts of the state in August. One or two districts in the northeast may receive near-normal rain,” head of the Ranchi Meteorological Centre, Baburaj P P, said.“During Aug and Sept, rainfall could be near normal or slightly above normal in central and southeastern Jharkhand. The remaining areas are expected to record below-normal precipitation,” he added.Agriculture officials said the situation remained manageable as farmers had adapted their crop schedules to delayed monsoons.“Paddy sowing and transplantation, earlier completed by July-end, now often continue till mid-Aug. Rainfall received so far is adequate, but a prolonged dry spell could cause problems,” deputy director of agriculture Amritesh Singh said.The Met office has issued a yellow alert for thunderstorms, lightning and gusty winds reaching 40-50 kmph at isolated places from Sunday to Tuesday. Heavy rain is likely at isolated places in northeastern and adjoining central Jharkhand on Wednesday, along with thunderstorms, lightning and strong winds.
