Jamshedpur: Jharkhand is expected to witness contrasting weather conditions over the next few days, with intense heat wave conditions likely in the north-western districts and thunderstorms accompanied by lightning and strong winds forecast in several other parts of the state.
According to the Meteorological Department, isolated heat wave conditions may prevail in Garhwa and Palamu districts on May 27. At the same time, eastern and adjoining central regions of the state are likely to experience thunderstorms along with gusty winds blowing at speeds of 50 to 60 kmph.
Districts such as Simdega, Gumla, Hazaribagh and Koderma are also expected to receive thunderstorms and strong winds with speeds ranging between 40 and 50 kmph.
On May 28, thunderstorm activity is likely to intensify over north-eastern and adjoining central districts including Dhanbad, Bokaro, Hazaribagh and Koderma. The weather department has further predicted that lightning and gusty winds may continue across several parts of the state till May 31.
Meteorologists said the changing weather pattern is being caused by an upper air cyclonic circulation persisting over south Bihar and adjoining regions at around 1.5 km above mean sea level.
In addition, a north-south trough extending from south Bihar to north coastal Andhra Pradesh through Jharkhand and interior Odisha is contributing to atmospheric instability and moisture accumulation over the region.
“The weather has become highly unpredictable. The heat during the day is unbearable, and by evening sudden strong winds and lightning start developing,” said Rakesh Kumar, a resident of Dhanbad.
Sunita Devi from Hazaribagh said, “Frequent thunderstorms over the past few days have made people anxious. We are avoiding unnecessary travel during evening hours because of fear of lightning.”
Officials have advised people to remain alert during thunderstorm activity and avoid staying in open areas or near trees and electric poles during lightning and strong winds.