PINAKI MAJUMDAR
Jamshedpur, May 11: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has extended its thunderstorm alert for Jharkhand till May 16, warning of widespread lightning, thundershowers and gusty winds across several districts over the next few days.
According to the latest IMD bulletin, thunderstorms accompanied by lightning and wind speeds of 40–50 kmph are likely at isolated places across most parts of Jharkhand on May 11, except in the north-western region.
Strong Winds Likely in Southern and Central Jharkhand
The weather department said stronger gusts of 50–60 kmph are expected over the southern and central parts of the state on May 12, while other areas may witness winds of 40–50 kmph.
The weather system is expected to intensify further on May 13 and 14. Districts including Ranchi, Bokaro, Dhanbad, Ramgarh, Gumla and Khunti are likely to witness thunderstorms with gusty winds reaching up to 60 kmph.
Adjoining north-eastern districts such as Dumka, Deoghar and Jamtara are also expected to be affected.
Meanwhile, Sahebganj, Pakur, Godda, Giridih, Hazaribagh, Koderma and Lohardaga may experience wind speeds of 40–50 kmph.
Thunderstorm Activity to Continue Till May 16
The IMD said thunderstorm and lightning activity with gusty winds of 40–50 kmph is likely to continue across most parts of Jharkhand on May 15, except the north-western region.
Similar weather conditions are expected to persist on May 16, particularly over adjoining central areas of the state.
Why Jharkhand is Witnessing Unstable Weather
Meteorologists attributed the unstable weather to multiple active synoptic systems over eastern India.
According to the IMD, 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, is influencing weather conditions in Jharkhand.
In addition, a trough extending from southeast Rajasthan to Gangetic West Bengal through Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and Jharkhand, along with another trough in the middle and upper-level westerlies stretching from northeast Bihar to coastal Andhra Pradesh, is contributing to enhanced atmospheric instability over the region.
People have been advised to remain alert during thunderstorm hours, avoid open spaces during lightning strikes, and take necessary precautions against strong winds and sudden weather changes.