Benevolence was the rain god’s middle name in pre-monsoon 2013.

Statistics from the meteorological department reveal that Jharkhand received an average rainfall of 120mm between March and May, a record in 10 years (see chart).

Kolhan topped the rain-o-meter, with Jamshedpur alone experiencing 239.9mm during these three months. In May, which was once again the coolest in many years, the steel city recorded 195.8mm.

Last year, the cumulative pre-monsoon rain figure of the region was a meagre 84.1mm, much less than normal.

Like Jamshedpur, capital Ranchi too soaked a good spell of rainfall, the March-May total being in 105mm. Last season, the meter had not taken a spin after 75mm.

The state too had clocked an average of around 50mm in March-May 2012.

The bounty this year has come from the Bay of Bengal, which spawned deep depressions and resulted in widespread rain across Jharkhand earlier this week.

Besides Ranchi and East Singhbhum, many other districts like Koderma, Deoghar, Jamtara, Dhanbad, Bokaro, Simdega and Giridih have also recorded above average rainfall in pre-monsoon 2013.

“Rainfall over the past three months has been impressive. Our records suggest such a pre-monsoon spell was not witnessed in Jharkhand in a decade,” said A.K. Sen, the director of Patna Meteorological Centre.

According to a senior Met department official, the recent depression over the Bay was the biggest boon because it resulted in above average rainfall in the state. The average rain in pre-monsoon months is around 115mm.

Like May, the shower show in April was impressive too, courtesy frequent Nor’westers. As many as five of these summer saviours had hit the state in the month, resulting in downpour across districts.

June — the first month of monsoon — kicked off on a pitter-patter note on Saturday.

Several parts of the state experienced moderate to heavy rain owing to a low-pressure trough line. Jamshedpur recorded 43mm, while Ranchi and its adjoining areas experienced sharp showers.

Meanwhile, the southwest monsoon hit Kerala and Lakshadweep on Saturday. The onset matched forecasts.

Met officials said that the current was likely to arrive in Jharkhand on schedule because “conditions are favourable for its advancement”.

Under normal circumstances, the rains arrive in the state between June 10 and 15. “Since one prediction has come true, we can expect the other to fall in line. The monsoon build-up is already discernible,” said a weatherman.

Will monsoon bring maladies?

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