Active Trough Triggers Thunderstorm Alert Across Jharkhand Till June 2

Jamshedpur: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a thunderstorm and lightning alert for several parts of Jharkhand till June 2, warning of gusty winds and unstable weather conditions under the influence of active trough systems prevailing over eastern and central India.

According to the Meteorological Centre, thunderstorms accompanied by lightning and gusty winds reaching speeds of 50-60 kmph are likely at isolated places across the state on May 27 and 28, barring some northwestern districts.

The weather activity is expected to continue on May 29 and 30 with thunderstorms and gusty winds of 40-50 kmph mainly over northwestern Jharkhand. 

Similar conditions are likely to persist across the state from May 31 to June 2.

Weather experts said the prevailing conditions are being driven by a trough extending from northwest Uttar Pradesh to south coastal Odisha through cyclonic circulations over central Uttar Pradesh, northeast Madhya Pradesh and northwest Odisha at around 0.9 Jm above mean sea level.

Another north-south trough extending from north Bihar to south Telangana via Jharkhand and Chhattisgarh at 1.5 Km above mean sea level is also fuelling moisture incursion and atmospheric instability over the region.

Several districts witnessed cloudy skies, intermittent rainfall and humid conditions on Wednesday, bringing temporary relief from rising temperatures but also raising concerns over lightning-related incidents and sudden wind damage.

“Dark clouds have been hovering since morning and strong winds started blowing in the evening. People are cautious because thunderstorms have become frequent over the past few days,” said Rajesh Singh, a resident of Mango in Jamshedpur.

In Ranchi, residents said fluctuating weather conditions have disrupted normal outdoor activities. “The weather changes suddenly from intense heat to thunderstorms. We are avoiding unnecessary travel during evening hours due to lightning fears,” said Neha Verma, a resident of Harmu.

The IMD has advised people to stay indoors during thunderstorm activity, avoid sheltering under trees and keep away from electric poles and open fields during lightning strikes.