PINAKI MAJUMDAR
Jamshedpur, April 21: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has reported a sharp rise in temperatures across Jharkhand, with Daltonganj recording the highest maximum temperature at 43.8°C on Monday. Jamshedpur followed at 42.6°C, Bokaro at 42.2°C, and Ranchi at 40.1°C.
Temperatures Above Normal
These readings are significantly above normal, with departures of up to +4.2°C, indicating the intensity of the ongoing heatwave. Minimum temperatures have also remained high, around 26°C in key cities, providing little relief during the night.
Dry weather continues across most parts of the state, with very little rainfall recorded. While parts of Simdega received 7.5 mm of rain, the overall lack of precipitation is contributing to the rising heat. Data from automated weather stations shows several districts crossing the 40°C mark under largely dry conditions.
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Heatwave Warning for 48 Hours
The IMD has warned that heatwave conditions are likely to continue at isolated places over north-western, southern, and central Jharkhand, especially in Bokaro and Dhanbad, on April 21 and 22.
According to the department, a north-south trough extending from east Bihar to southwest Madhya Pradesh, passing over Jharkhand and adjoining north Chhattisgarh at about 0.9 km above mean sea level, is influencing the current weather pattern. However, no widespread rainfall is expected in the immediate future.
Residents across cities are already feeling the impact. A commuter in Bokaro said the heat becomes unbearable by late morning, while a Jamshedpur resident noted that even nights remain uncomfortably warm with little relief.
State Braces for Tough Days Ahead
With temperatures continuing to rise and heatwave warnings in place, Jharkhand is preparing for a difficult spell of extreme weather over the next few days.
