Ranchi: The southwest monsoon made its much-awaited entry into the state on Friday, though weather experts said there will be below normal during the first month of the season compared to last year.The Ranchi office of India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Friday said the monsoon has reached north-eastern districts, including Jamtara, Deoghar, Dumka, Godda, Pakur and Sahibganj, and some parts of Dhanbad, Giridih and East Singhbhum. “In the next two-three days, monsoon is likely to cover most parts of the state,” Ranchi IMD office director Baburaj P P told the media.From 2020 to 2024, Jharkhand received deficient rainfall during the monsoon from June to Sept for two years in 2022 and 2023. In 2025, the state received excess rainfall during monsoon.“According to the forecast, the state is likely to record deficient rainfall in June. However, the situation might improve in July, Aug and Sept. The situation will depend on progress of the monsoon in other neighbouring states along with Jharkhand. The usual rain-deficient regions of the state — Garhwa, Palamu, and Chatra — are also expected to receive normal rainfall this year,” Ranchi IMD deputy director Abhishek Anand said.Monsoon usually enters Jharkhand on June 12 and covers most of the state by June 15. Last year, the monsoon set in on June 17.IMD has issued an orange alert predicting thunderstorm and lightning and wind gusting up to 50-60 kmph at isolated places over northeastern and adjoining central parts in Dhanbad, Bokaro, Koderma, Hazaribag and Ramgarh districts.The bulletin stated that maximum temperatures across the state are likely to drop by 2-3 degrees Celsius across the state on Saturday and Sunday.Ranchi on Friday recorded a maximum temperature of 31.4 degrees, Jamshedpur 34.5 degrees, Daltonganj 39.8 degrees, Bokaro 34.2 degrees and Chaibasa 35.4 degrees.IMD on Thursday issued an extended range forecast for the state from June 12 to 25, predicting rain and thunderstorm, along with isolated heavy rainfall, are likely to take place across the state during the period. However, cumulatively below normal rainfall is expected during the period, the report said.“The state is likely to record normal to above normal maximum temperatures in the range of 31-40 degrees Celsius from June 12 to 18. Similarly, normal to above normal maximum temperature is expected in the state from June 19 to 25. The daytime temperature is likely to lie in the range of 33-40 degrees Celsius during the week,” the forecast predicted.
