Stormy spell ahead: Thunderstorms, gusty wind alert in Jharkhand till March 17

Jamshedpur: Jharkhand is likely to witness a spell of unstable weather over the next few days, with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasting thunderstorms, lightning and gusty winds across several parts of the state.

As per the latest weather bulletin, isolated places across the state—except the north-western region—may experience thunderstorms with lightning and gusty winds of 40–50 kmph on March 14 and 15. 

On March 16, similar conditions are expected at a few places across Jharkhand, while isolated areas may again witness thunderstorms on March 17, excluding the north-western belt.

The north-western parts of the state may experience thunderstorms and lightning with gusty winds of 30–40 kmph on March 18.

Meteorologists attribute the changing weather pattern to an upper air cyclonic circulation persisting over Bangladesh and adjoining Gangetic West Bengal, extending up to 1.5 Km above mean sea level. In addition, a trough in the lower-level westerlies, with its axis between 3.1 Km and 4.5 Km above mean sea level along longitude 90°E to the north of latitude 22°N, continues to influence weather conditions over the region.

During the past 24 hours, light to moderate rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms was recorded at isolated places across the state. 

The highest rainfall of 18.6 mm was reported from Putki in Dhanbad district.

Weather officials have advised residents to remain cautious during thunderstorms and lightning, particularly in open areas, as gusty winds may affect several districts over the coming days.