Lightning, Gusty Wind Alert Over Jharkhand for 72 Hours

Jamshedpur: Jharkhand is set to experience thunderstorms, lightning and gusty winds over the next 72-hours as several weather systems remain active across northern and central India.

The Meteorological Centre in Ranchi has issued a thunderstorm alert from June 4 to June 7, forecasting lightning and winds reaching 40-50 kmph at isolated places across the state.

"Thunderstorm activity is expected to intensify over most parts of Jharkhand during the next three days under the influence of prevailing synoptic systems," an IMD official said.

According to the forecast, weather activity on June 5 is likely to affect most regions except the north-western and adjoining central parts of the state. 

Thunderstorms are expected to become more widespread on June 6 and June 7.

The changing weather is being triggered by a western disturbance in the form of a cyclonic circulation over West Uttar Pradesh and adjoining areas, extending up to 5.8 km above mean sea level.

 A trough stretching from the system to north Tamil Nadu through Madhya Pradesh, Vidarbha, Telangana and Rayalaseema, along with another upper-air cyclonic circulation over northeast Uttar Pradesh, is influencing weather conditions across eastern India.

Meanwhile, the heat persisted across several districts during past 24-hours. 

Daltonganj recorded the state's highest maximum temperature at 41°C. Other major centres reported high temperatures, including Bokaro (39.5°C), Chaibasa (38.4°C), Jamshedpur (38.1°C) and Ranchi (35.7°C). 

The lowest minimum temperature was recorded at Namkum in Ranchi at 22°C.

Rainfall activity remained subdued during the past 24 hours, with Pakuria in Pakur district receiving the state's highest rainfall of 2.6 mm.

"The upcoming spell of thunderstorms is likely to bring temporary respite from the prevailing heat, but people should remain alert to lightning strikes and strong winds," the weather office cautioned.