PINAKI MAJUMDAR
Jamshedpur, May 4: Jharkhand is set to witness an active spell of weather over the coming days, with thunderstorms, lightning, gusty winds, and spells of heavy rainfall expected across several regions, according to the latest India Meteorological Department (IMD) update.
On May 4, thunderstorm activity accompanied by lightning and gusty winds is likely over the north-eastern and adjoining central parts of the state. Isolated areas elsewhere may experience winds reaching speeds of 40–50 kmph.
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May 5 likely to see peak intensity with heavy rain, hail
The intensity is expected to increase on May 5, particularly over south-eastern and central districts, including Ranchi, Khunti, Ramgarh, Bokaro, and Dhanbad. These areas may witness thunderstorms with lightning, gusty winds of 50–60 kmph, along with heavy rainfall and the possibility of hailstorms.
Other parts of the state are also likely to experience thunderstorms with winds of 40–50 kmph.
From May 6 to May 7, similar conditions are expected to persist across the state, with thunderstorms, lightning, and gusty winds continuing at isolated locations.
Weather systems behind the instability
Meteorologists have attributed this unstable weather pattern to a persistent upper air cyclonic circulation over east Madhya Pradesh and adjoining areas, extending up to 1.5 km above mean sea level.
In addition, a trough stretching from south Chhattisgarh to Manipur—passing through interior Odisha, Gangetic West Bengal, and Meghalaya at around 0.9 km above mean sea level—is further enhancing atmospheric instability.
People have been advised to remain cautious during thunderstorm activity and take necessary precautions against lightning strikes and strong winds.