Jharkhand Braces for Stormy Spell as Heat Wave Sweeps North-West Districts

Jamshedpur : Jharkhand is likely to experience a sharp contrast in weather conditions over the next few days, with scorching heat wave conditions predicted in the north-western districts and thunderstorms accompanied by lightning and gusty winds expected across large parts of the state.

The Meteorological Department has forecast isolated heat wave conditions in Garhwa and Palamu on May 27, while eastern and adjoining central regions may witness thunderstorms with wind speeds reaching 50-60 kmph. 

Districts including Simdega, Gumla, Hazaribagh and Koderma are also likely to receive thunderstorms and gusty winds of 40-50 Kmph.

On May 28, strong thunderstorm activity is expected over north-eastern and adjoining central districts such as Dhanbad, Bokaro, Hazaribagh and Koderma, while the remaining parts of the state may continue to witness lightning and gusty winds till May 31.

Meteorologists attributed the changing weather pattern to an upper air cyclonic circulation persisting over south Bihar and adjoining areas up to 1.5 Km above mean sea level.

 A north-south trough stretching from south Bihar to north coastal Andhra Pradesh across Jharkhand and interior Odisha is also contributing to atmospheric instability and moisture build-up over the region.

“The weather has become extremely unpredictable. It is unbearably hot during the day, and by evening strong winds and lightning suddenly develop,” said Rakesh Kumar, a resident of Dhanbad.

Another resident, Sunita Devi from Hazaribagh, said, “People are worried because thunderstorms have become frequent over the past few days. We are avoiding unnecessary travel during evening hours due to lightning fears.”

Officials have advised residents to remain cautious during thunderstorm activity and avoid open spaces, trees and electric poles during lightning and high winds.