PINAKI MAJUMDAR
Jamshedpur, May 16: The India Meteorological Department’s (IMD) Ranchi centre has predicted continued Nor’wester activity across Jharkhand over the next week, bringing thunderstorms, lightning and gusty winds to several parts of the state.
The weather activity is expected to keep daytime temperatures near normal in many districts, although heatwave conditions may persist in the north-western region, including Garhwa, Palamu, Chatra and Latehar.
Strong Nor’wester Sweeps Across Jharkhand
A high-intensity Nor’wester swept through Jamshedpur and several parts of Jharkhand on Friday evening, uprooting trees, disrupting power supply and bringing relief from intense heat.
The storm, accompanied by strong winds exceeding 70 kmph in some areas, heavy rain, lightning and dust storms, affected districts including Ranchi, Bokaro, Dhanbad and Hazaribagh.
Dark clouds covered the skyline over Jamshedpur by late afternoon before heavy rain lashed the city.
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IMD Issues Thunderstorm and Wind Alert
According to the IMD, thunderstorms accompanied by lightning and wind speeds of 40 to 50 kmph are likely at isolated places across Jharkhand on May 16.
A more severe weather alert has been issued for May 17 and 18, with gusty winds of 50 to 60 kmph expected in north-eastern and adjoining central districts, including:
- Dhanbad
- Koderma
- Hazaribagh
- Bokaro
- Ramgarh
- Ranchi
Why Jharkhand Is Witnessing Severe Storm Activity
Meteorologists attributed the intense Nor’wester activity to multiple weather systems active over eastern India.
A low-pressure area over the southwest and adjoining west-central Bay of Bengal is pushing moisture inland, while an east-west trough extending from West Madhya Pradesh to North Bangladesh has increased atmospheric instability.
An upper-air cyclonic circulation over Bihar has further strengthened conditions favourable for severe thunderstorms.
Residents Describe Storm Impact
Residents across Jamshedpur reported widespread disruption due to strong winds and sudden rainfall.
“It felt like the entire city was caught off guard. Trees were swaying dangerously, visibility dropped within minutes, and several neighbourhoods plunged into darkness after power lines were affected,” said Anup Sinha, a resident of Kadma.
Many residents, however, welcomed the sudden drop in temperature after days of humid conditions.
“The afternoon was unbearably humid, but the Nor’wester changed everything. The temperature dropped sharply after the rain, though the intensity of the winds was frightening,” said Ritu Mukherjee, a resident of Sonari.
IMD Advisory for Residents
Weather officials have advised people to remain alert during thunderstorm activity, avoid open spaces during lightning, and stay away from weak structures and overhead electrical lines.
With the pre-monsoon season intensifying, Jharkhand is expected to continue experiencing a mix of scorching daytime heat and powerful evening storms in the coming days.