PINAKI MAJUMDAR
Jamshedpur, June 5: After days of intense heat across Jharkhand, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast thunderstorms, lightning and gusty winds across large parts of the state over the next four days, offering much-needed relief from soaring temperatures.
Thunderstorms and Gusty Winds Forecast Till June 8
According to the Meteorological Centre, Ranchi, isolated places across Jharkhand are likely to experience thunderstorms accompanied by lightning and gusty winds reaching speeds of 40-50 kmph between June 5 and June 8.
On June 5, such weather activity is expected over most parts of the state, except the north-western and adjoining central regions.
Similar conditions are likely to prevail across the state on June 6, while southern and central districts may remain under the influence of thunderstorm activity on June 7 and 8.
High Temperatures Continue Across Several Districts
Despite the approaching weather system, several districts continue to reel under high temperatures.
The IMD’s weather bulletin issued on Thursday evening recorded the highest maximum temperature of 41°C at Daltonganj.
Jamshedpur registered 40.3°C, while the AWS station at Seraikela recorded 40.4°C. Chaibasa reported 39.8°C, indicating that heatwave-like conditions persisted in parts of Kolhan and adjoining regions.
Rainfall Activity Remains Limited
Rainfall activity remained limited during the past 24 hours. Daltonganj received the highest rainfall at 10.8 mm, while Darisai in East Singhbhum recorded 4 mm and Bokaro received 3 mm.
Most other districts remained dry.
Synoptic Systems Driving Weather Change
Meteorologists attributed the changing weather pattern to multiple synoptic systems currently influencing eastern India.
An upper-air cyclonic circulation persists over central Uttar Pradesh, extending up to 1.5 km above mean sea level.
Another cyclonic circulation over north Bangladesh and adjoining Gangetic West Bengal has shifted towards Sub-Himalayan West Bengal and adjoining Bihar.
These systems are expected to enhance moisture incursion and convective activity over Jharkhand, triggering thunderstorms and localised rainfall.
Southwest Monsoon Advances Further
Meanwhile, the Southwest Monsoon has made significant progress, advancing into the remaining parts of the southwest and southeast Arabian Sea, large sections of the west-central and east-central Arabian Sea, the entire Lakshadweep region, Kerala and Mahe, parts of Karnataka and Tamil Nadu, and further areas of the Bay of Bengal.
The steady advance of the monsoon is being closely monitored as conditions gradually become favourable for its onward movement towards eastern and central India.
The IMD has advised residents to remain cautious during thunderstorm activity and avoid taking shelter under trees or near electric poles during lightning events.
Farmers and the general public have been urged to stay updated with official weather advisories and take necessary precautions.