PINAKI MAJUMDAR
Jamshedpur, May 12: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a statewide weather alert for Jharkhand, forecasting thunderstorms, lightning, rainfall, and gusty winds across several districts from May 12 to May 16.
According to the IMD forecast, many districts are likely to witness strong winds reaching speeds of 50 to 60 kmph, accompanied by intermittent rain and thunder activity over the next five days.
Thunderstorm Activity Likely in Several Districts
North-western Jharkhand is expected to experience thunderstorms, lightning, and gusty winds of 50-60 kmph on May 12. Isolated areas in southern and central Jharkhand may also witness similar weather conditions.
The weather activity is likely to intensify on May 13 and 14 over the southern and central districts, including Ranchi, Ramgarh, Bokaro, Dhanbad, Gumla, and Khunti. Adjoining north-eastern districts such as Dumka, Deoghar, and Jamtara are also expected to be affected.
Districts including Sahebganj, Pakur, Godda, Giridih, Hazaribagh, Koderma, and Lohardaga may witness thunderstorms and gusty winds ranging between 40 and 50 kmph.
Stormy Weather to Continue Till May 16
The IMD said that on May 15, almost the entire state — except parts of north-western Jharkhand — is likely to remain under the influence of stormy weather. Similar weather conditions are expected to continue in north-eastern and adjoining central regions on May 16.
Meteorologists have attributed the unstable weather conditions to a persistent upper air cyclonic circulation over Sub-Himalayan West Bengal and adjoining areas, extending between 1.5 km and 5.8 km above mean sea level.
“In addition, a trough stretching from southeast Rajasthan to Gangetic West Bengal through Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, and Jharkhand, along with another trough in the middle and upper-level westerlies extending from northeast Bihar to coastal Andhra Pradesh, is fueling atmospheric instability over the region,” the IMD said.
The IMD has urged residents to remain cautious during thunderstorms and avoid open spaces. People have also been advised to stay away from trees and electric poles and follow official weather advisories during the spell of turbulent weather.