Rain today: Monsoon to march deeper into Bihar, Jharkhand, cover east India

The monsoon has advanced further into Odisha, with IMD forecasting heavy rainfall across Odisha, Bihar and Jharkhand in the coming days. The arrival of the seasonal rain in North India is almost here.

In Short

• Southwest monsoon advances into more parts of Odisha
• Jharkhand and Bihar to see increased rain and thunderstorms
• Rainfall supports kharif crop sowing and soil moisture

The southwest monsoon is set to further advance into additional parts of Odisha, Bihar and Jharkhand, bringing fresh momentum to its journey across eastern India and setting the stage for increased rainfall activity over the region in the coming days.

According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), conditions remain favourable for the monsoon to advance further over adjoining parts of central and eastern India.

The development comes after the seasonal rain system made a rapid start following its delayed onset over Kerala on June 4 before entering a relatively slower phase, which meteorologists say is a normal part of the monsoon's progression.

For eastern India, the latest forecast points to a wetter spell ahead, particularly for Odisha and Jharkhand.

HEAVY RAINFALL IN ODISHA

Odisha is among the states expected to receive the most significant rainfall during the coming days.

The IMD has forecast heavy to very heavy rainfall at isolated places across the state, with some areas likely to experience intense spells of rain.

Such conditions can lead to localised waterlogging in low-lying areas and temporary disruptions to transport and daily life.

The rainfall is being driven by strong moisture inflow from the Bay of Bengal, which plays a crucial role in sustaining monsoon activity across eastern India.

As the monsoon strengthens over the region, rainfall is expected to remain active across many parts of the state.

RAIN TO GREET BIHAR AND JHARKHAND

Rainfall activity is also expected to increase across Jharkhand and Bihar over the next few days.

According to the IMD forecast, Jharkhand could experience heavy rainfall at isolated locations, while Bihar is likely to see fairly widespread rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms and lightning in some areas.

The expected rains are likely to improve soil moisture levels across agricultural regions, providing support for farmers preparing for the kharif cropping season.

This is a crucial period for sowing crops such as paddy, which depend heavily on timely monsoon rainfall.

The continuing advance of the monsoon is good news as the southwest monsoon contributes nearly 70% of India's annual rainfall and is vital for agriculture, reservoirs, drinking water supplies and hydropower generation.

For Odisha, Bihar and Jharkhand, the arrival of more widespread rainfall marks an important stage in the monsoon season.

While heavy rain can occasionally trigger local disruptions, it also helps replenish water resources and supports farming activities across the region.

With favourable conditions continuing over the Bay of Bengal, forecasters expect monsoon activity to remain active across eastern India in the days ahead.

- Ends