PINAKI MAJUMDAR
Jamshedpur, May 20: Jharkhand continued to reel under intense summer heat on Wednesday, with Daltonganj emerging as the hottest place in the state at 42.4°C, according to the latest weather bulletin issued by the India Meteorological Department (IMD), Ranchi.
Among the major cities, Jamshedpur recorded a maximum temperature of 40.4°C in the last 24 hours, nearly 1.9 degrees above normal. Ranchi registered 37.4°C, while Bokaro touched 39.5°C.
IMD forecasts thunderstorms and strong winds across Jharkhand
The IMD has forecast a major change in weather conditions over the next few days, with thunderstorms, lightning, and gusty winds expected across several parts of Jharkhand between May 20 and May 25. The changing weather pattern is likely to provide relief from the prevailing heatwave-like conditions.
On May 20, isolated places in north-eastern and adjoining central districts, including Bokaro, Giridih, Jamtara, and Dhanbad, are likely to witness thunderstorms accompanied by lightning and gusty winds reaching 50–60 kmph. Other central and southern districts may experience winds of 40–50 kmph.
On May 21, thunderstorm and lightning activity, along with gusty winds of 40–50 kmph, is expected over most parts of the state, except some north-western areas.
Stronger weather alert issued for May 22
The weather department has issued a stronger alert for May 22, predicting thunderstorms and gusty winds of 50–60 kmph over Dhanbad, Bokaro, Kodarma, Hazaribagh, Ramgarh, Ranchi, and Chatra, along with adjoining regions.
On May 23, similar thunderstorm activity is likely over north-western, southern, and central districts, including Lohardaga, Gumla, and Khunti. Widespread thunderstorm and lightning activity are expected across most parts of Jharkhand on May 24 and 25.
Heatwave relief likely after thunderstorms
Meteorologists said the thunderstorm activity and gusty winds could bring temporary relief from the scorching temperatures that have gripped Jharkhand over the past several days.