Thundershowers to Lash Jharkhand Till May 21

Jamshedpur: Jharkhand is set to witness an extended spell of unstable weather, with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) issuing a statewide alert for thunderstorms, lightning, and gusty winds till May 21, even as parts of north-western districts brace for heatwave conditions.

The weather office has warned that thundershowers accompanied by lightning and winds ranging between 40 and 50 kmph are likely across most parts of the state over the coming days. 

On May 17 and 18, wind intensity may escalate to 50–60 kmph, particularly over north-eastern and adjoining central districts including Dhanbad, Koderma, Hazaribagh, Bokaro, Ramgarh, and Ranchi, raising the possibility of localized disruptions.

Alongside the storm alert, heatwave conditions are expected to prevail in north-western Jharkhand, especially in Garhwa, Palamu, Chatra, and Latehar, creating a contrasting weather pattern across the state.

Meteorologists have linked the active weather to a well-marked low-pressure area persisting over the southwest and adjoining west-central Bay of Bengal, along with an associated cyclonic circulation extending up to 5.8 Km above sea level.

 An active east-west trough stretching from West Madhya Pradesh to North Bangladesh, passing through Bihar and Gangetic West Bengal, is further fueling atmospheric instability over Jharkhand.

According to the forecast, May 15 and 19 are likely to see thunderstorms across most districts except the north-western belt, while May 20 and 21 may bring renewed thunderstorm activity over north-eastern and adjoining central parts of the state.

Authorities have urged residents to remain alert, avoid sheltering under trees during lightning, and take precautions against possible damage from sudden gusty winds and heavy downpours.