PINAKI MAJUMDAR
Jamshedpur, June 1: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a thunderstorm alert for large parts of Jharkhand, forecasting lightning and gusty winds of 40-50 kmph over the next several days. The weather activity is expected to bring intermittent relief from the prevailing summer heat, even as authorities urge residents to exercise caution.
Thunderstorms, Lightning Likely Across Jharkhand
According to the latest IMD forecast, thunderstorms accompanied by lightning and strong winds are likely at isolated places across the state on June 2, except in the north-western districts.
Similar weather conditions are expected on June 3, excluding the north-western and adjoining northern regions of Jharkhand.
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On June 5 and 6, thunderstorm activity is likely to be concentrated over the north-eastern and south-eastern districts, with gusty winds continuing to accompany the weather system.
Meteorologists have attributed the changing weather pattern to a trough extending from a cyclonic circulation over Vidarbha to another cyclonic circulation over the east-central Bay of Bengal. The trough passes through southern Chhattisgarh, Odisha and adjoining coastal Andhra Pradesh.
Additionally, a trough in the westerlies at higher atmospheric levels persists, creating favourable conditions for the formation of thunderclouds across eastern India.
Temperatures Remain Below Normal
The latest weather report from the Meteorological Centre, Ranchi, showed that temperatures remained below normal across most parts of Jharkhand.
Jamshedpur recorded a maximum temperature of 34.4°C on Sunday, which was 5.7 degrees below normal, while Ranchi registered 33.0°C, or 4.2 degrees below normal.
Chaibasa recorded 35.2°C, and Bokaro Thermal reported 35.5°C, both remaining below seasonal averages.
Among the major observatories, Daltonganj was the hottest location with a maximum temperature of 39.2°C.
Latehar recorded the state’s lowest minimum temperature at 19.6°C.
Hazaribag Records Highest Rainfall
Hazaribag received the highest rainfall in the state during the previous 24 hours, recording 9.6 mm of precipitation. It was followed by Simdega, which received 2.6 mm of rainfall.
In East Singhbhum, Baharagora recorded a maximum temperature of 34.4°C, while neighbouring Saraikela-Kharsawan registered 36.1°C.
Although no significant rainfall was reported in the Kolhan region during the past 24 hours, weather officials expect thunderstorm activity to increase in the coming days.
The IMD has advised residents to remain alert during thunderstorms and lightning activity. People have been urged to avoid taking shelter under isolated trees and to stay away from electric poles and open fields during lightning events.
Farmers and outdoor workers have also been advised to closely monitor weather updates, as strong winds and lightning may disrupt routine activities across several districts.