PINAKI MAJUMDAR
Jamshedpur, March 2: Dry weather conditions continued across Jharkhand on Monday, with several districts recording above-normal maximum temperatures, indicating the early onset of pre-summer heat.
According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), Ranchi, no rainfall was recorded anywhere in the state during the past 24 hours.
The highest maximum temperature was recorded at 36.0°C in Seraikela, while Hazaribagh reported the lowest minimum temperature at 12.4°C.
Among major observatories, Ranchi recorded a maximum temperature of 30.8°C and a minimum of 18.7°C. Jamshedpur registered 34.8°C as the maximum and 21.4°C as the minimum.
Daltonganj recorded a high of 35.4°C and a low of 16.2°C, while Bokaro reported 34.1°C as the maximum and 18.1°C as the minimum. Chaibasa recorded 33.8°C and 19.2°C as the day’s maximum and minimum temperatures, respectively.
AWS Data Highlights Temperature Variations
Data from various Automated Weather Stations (AWS) showed Seraikela at 35.6°C (maximum) and 19.2°C (minimum), Baharagora at 34.5°C and 21.4°C, Pakur at 33.6°C and 19.7°C, Hazaribagh at 31.5°C and 14.2°C, and Koderma at 32.6°C and 17.5°C.
No Rain Despite Upper Air Systems
The IMD stated that the upper air cyclonic circulation earlier located over northeast Assam has now shifted to central Assam at around 1.5 km above mean sea level.
In addition, a trough in the westerlies, with its axis at 3.1 km above mean sea level along Longitude 94°E to the north of Latitude 23°N, continues to persist. However, these systems have not triggered any rainfall activity over Jharkhand so far.
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Heat to Intensify Further
With clear skies and strong solar radiation during the day, temperatures are steadily rising, especially in southern and western districts. Weather officials indicated that if the dry spell continues, maximum temperatures may increase further in the coming days.
Residents in Ranchi and Jamshedpur have already started feeling the seasonal shift.
“The afternoons are becoming quite uncomfortable. We are already using fans regularly, which is unusual for early March,” said Amit Kumar, a Ranchi resident.
In Jamshedpur, homemaker Ritu Sharma said, “Mornings are still pleasant, but by noon the heat becomes intense. It feels like summer has arrived early this year.”
Office-goers in both cities reported a noticeable rise in daytime heat, opting for lighter clothing and increased water intake.
Health experts have advised people to stay hydrated and avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight during peak afternoon hours.
With no immediate rainfall forecast, Jharkhand is likely to witness a gradual intensification of pre-summer conditions in the coming days.
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