KKN Gurugram Desk | After enduring a brutal heatwave, Jharkhand is now bracing for intense monsoon rains. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has confirmed that the southwest monsoon has fully set in across the state, spreading continued rainfall for the past two days. With a low-pressure system from the Bay of Bengal advancing northwest, a red alert has been issued in eight districts, accompanied by school closures and warnings of thunderstorms with high winds and lightning.

 Monsoon Covers Entire State, Heavy Rain Predicted

According to IMD officials, the southwest monsoon officially covered Jharkhand on June 17–18. In just a 24-hour span, the state received an average of 48.1 mm of rainfall, a sharp increase from the usual 7.9 mm—a nearly 509% rise . As of June 18 morning, cumulative rainfall hit 80.4 mm, about 7% above average, easing a brief dry spell .

IMD forecasts heavy to extremely heavy rainfall (>20 cm/24 hours) in isolated pockets on June 19, with very heavy rainfall expected in five districts—Ranchi, Khunti, Lohardaga, Gumla, and Simdega . The low-pressure system tracking from the Bay of Bengal is set to linger over Jharkhand, fueling showers through June 20–21 .

Red Alert for Eight Districts, Schools Closed Across Ranchi

A red alert—indicating imminent danger—has been issued for eight districts, including Ranchi, Khunti, Ramgarh, and other adjacent zones . In response, the Ranchi district administration has ordered all KG to Class 12 schools—government, aided, and private—to remain closed on June 19 ﹣ with strict enforcement under the Disaster Management Act, 2005 .

IMD has also warned of thunderstorms and gusty winds up to 40 km/h, especially in the same red-alert districts .

Orange & Yellow Alerts Elsewhere; Thunderstorm Warning

Apart from the red zones, IMD has issued orange alerts for six districts, signaling heavy rainfall, and yellow alerts for 10 more regions, cautioning residents about moderate rain and wind.

Thunderstorms accompanied by lightning and gusty winds are expected statewide due to shifting weather patterns and conditions favorable for convective activity . Floods, Waterlogging & Flights Disrupted

The persistent downpours have already caused considerable disruptions: in Ranchi, low-lying roads and underpasses are submerged, traffic flow has slowed, and ruptured power lines have led to power outages lasting over eight hours . Similarly, Jamshedpur recorded 117 mm of rain in one day, leading to flooded infrastructure, closed schools, and even mudslide-related casualties .

Flights at Birsa Munda Airport were hit hard, with 4 flights canceled due to unfit runway condition.

 Expected Weather Conditions Ahead

IMD predicts that monsoon rains will persist across Jharkhand through June 20, with potential flare-ups in some districts . Lower-lying areas should expect localized flooding and reduced visibility. Thunderstorms may bring down trees, disrupt power lines, and trigger moderate landslides on unstable terrain .

Safety Measures & Government Advisories

In light of the forecast, authorities have issued several safety directives:

• Remain indoors, avoid unnecessary travel—especially into flood-prone zones

• Keep emergency kits and evacuation plans ready

• Clear drainage systems to prevent water accumulation

• Exercise caution in school/office premises—with classes already suspended

• Avoid outdoor activities during lightning or high winds

Ranchi’s municipal and transport authorities have mobilized resources to manage waterlogging and infrastructure damage .

 Schools in Ranchi Stay Shut on June 19

The Ranchi Deputy Commissioner Manjunath Bhajantri ordered the full-day closure of all educational institutions on June 19, emphasizing children’s safety during peak rainfall—failure to comply may result in action under the Disaster Management Act .

 Rainfall Data Snapshot

• 48.1 mm was recorded between 08:30 AM on June 17 and 08:30 AM on June 18—over five times the norm .

• Since June 1, Jharkhand has seen 80.4 mm of rain, surpassing the average 74.9 mm by 7% .

• District hotspots include Latehar (118 mm), Jamshedpur (68.8 mm), Ranchi (47.2 mm) among others .

 Mid-Term Outlook & Monsoon Expectations

With the monsoon firmly established, IMD forecasts continued above-normal rainfall across Jharkhand till late June . While this may boost agriculture and recharge groundwater, the immediate priority lies in managing urban flooding, power disruptions, and transport interruptions.

As Jharkhand continues to see heavy monsoon showers, the combination of red alerts, school closures, and advisories reflects the gravity of the situation. While the rain brings relief from the heat, it also poses hazards like flooding, power outages, and transport disruption. Residents are urged to stay alert, adhere to local advisories, and prioritize safety over convenience until weather conditions stabilize.

Stay updated with KKNLive.com for live weather alerts, district-level updates, and expert advice as the state navigates through this potent monsoon spell.