For the first time this monsoon, Jharkhand entered a rain deficit phase on Friday with the state recording a shortfall of one per cent .

Statistics revealed that against a normal of 364.9 mm, the state has so far recorded 360.3 mm rain. According to Met data, as many as 50 per cent districts, ie, 12 out of 24, figure in the rain deficit list as of Friday.

The districts that are facing a rain deficit are Chatra, Bokaro, Garhwa, Godda, Gumla, Khunti, Latehar , Ranchi, Pakur, Seraikela- Kharsawan, Simdega and West Singhbhum. Chatra and Gumla are facing the maximum rain deficit of 32 and 29 per cent respectively.

Notably, around mid-June, soon after the onset of the south-east monsoon, the surplus rain in Jharkhand had touched 109 per cent. At that time, the monsoon was described as being "vigorous" in nature. Towards the end of June, the rainfall activity over the state reduced as the monsoon entered into a weak phase.

Monsoon revived and became active around July 7, resulting in widespread rain till July 11. After that rainfall activity again got gradually reduced.

Head of Ranchi Meteorological Centre Abhishek Anand said reduced rainfall during the past few days led to the deficit. "Most districts of Jharkhand have been experiencing very light rain for the last few days. The reduced rainfall activity has led to deficit rain in several districts, " he said.

Only five IMD observatories across the state, those at Chaibasa in West Singhbhum, Arki in Khunti, Panchet in Dhanbad , Kuru in Lohardaga, Mandar in Ranchi and Palkot in Gumla, recorded light rain during the past 24 hours.

Weathermen said no significant whether system prevails over the state and that southerly wind was dominating for the last two days.

The Ranchi Met Centre issued an alert of light to moderate thundershowers activity accompanied by lightning at isolated places over Jharkhand during the next three days.

Weathermen said most districts would witness cloudy sky with one or two spells of light rain.

Met data suggests that due to reduced rainfall activity the day's readings witnessed a rise. On Friday, most districts recorded a maximum temperature of two to three notches above normal.