PINAKI MAJUMDAR
Jamshedpur, April 23: Jharkhand witnessed intense heatwave conditions on Thursday, with several districts recording temperatures above 40°C. Chaibasa emerged as the hottest place in the last 24 hours, touching 43.0°C, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD) centre at Birsa Munda Airport, Ranchi.
Jamshedpur recorded 42.2°C, while Daltonganj touched 42.8°C. Bokaro Thermal also reported a high of 41.5°C. Even Ranchi, usually relatively cooler, saw its temperature rise to 38.7°C, remaining above normal.
Night Temperatures Stay High
Minimum temperatures remained elevated, indicating persistent heat stress. Jamshedpur recorded a minimum of 26.4°C, while Chaibasa reported 24.6°C, both above seasonal averages.
The lowest minimum temperature in the state was recorded at Gumla (AWS) at 18.0°C.
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No Rain, Hazy Conditions Add to Discomfort
No rainfall was recorded across Jharkhand in the past 24 hours, worsening the dry and oppressive weather.
Visibility in Jamshedpur dropped to 2,500 metres, suggesting hazy atmospheric conditions amid the heat.
Several Districts Cross 40°C Mark
Data from Automated Weather Stations showed widespread heat across the state:
- Seraikela: 43.0°C
- Godda: 41.7°C
- Deoghar: 40.2°C
- Pakur: 40.6°C
Districts such as Bokaro, Hazaribagh, and East Singhbhum also recorded temperatures around or above 40°C, indicating widespread heatwave-like conditions.
The Meteorological Centre has warned that heatwave conditions are likely at isolated places, especially in Bokaro, Dhanbad, Jamtara, and Dumka on April 23.
Relief Likely from April 24
A change in weather is expected from April 24, with parts of eastern Jharkhand likely to experience thunderstorms, lightning, and gusty winds (30–40 kmph).
The activity may intensify on April 25, with stronger winds of 40–50 kmph expected over north-eastern, southern, and central regions. Similar conditions may continue on April 26, potentially bringing relief from the heatwave.
Residents have been advised to take precautions against extreme heat and remain alert to rapid weather changes, especially during thunderstorm activity.
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