PINAKI MAJUMDAR
Jamshedpur, May 23: Jharkhand continues to reel under intense summer heat, with Jamshedpur recording a maximum temperature of 38.6°C on Friday, according to the latest India Meteorological Department (IMD) weather bulletin issued from Ranchi.
The city’s minimum temperature stood at 29.2°C, which is 3.8°C above normal, indicating unusually warm nights and increasing discomfort for residents.
Daltonganj Hottest in Jharkhand
Across the state, Daltonganj remained the hottest place at 44.4°C, while Ranchi recorded 39.2°C. No rainfall was reported in Jamshedpur or other major observatories during the past 24 hours.
The IMD has issued a heatwave warning for isolated areas of East Singhbhum, West Singhbhum and Saraikela-Kharsawan on May 23, placing the Kolhan region, including Jamshedpur, under alert.
Residents have been advised to avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight, stay hydrated and take precautions against heat-related illnesses.
Thunderstorm and Lightning Forecast
Along with the heatwave alert, the weather department has forecast thunderstorms, lightning and gusty winds with speeds reaching 40–50 kmph at isolated places across Jharkhand, excluding parts of north-western and adjoining central districts.
According to the forecast, thunderstorm activity is likely to intensify over the north-eastern and central districts on May 24.
Heatwave Conditions Likely Till May 26
Heatwave conditions are expected to continue in north-western Jharkhand, especially in Garhwa, Palamu and Chatra districts, till May 26.
With hot days and unusually warm nights continuing across the state, people have been urged to remain cautious as fluctuating weather conditions may bring both extreme heat and sudden storms.