Jamshedpur: Jharkhand continues to struggle under oppressive weather conditions as high humidity and rising night temperatures have sharply increased the discomfort index across the state, making the heat feel far more intense than the actual temperature readings.
Jamshedpur remained among the hottest and most uncomfortable places in the state, recording a maximum temperature of 39.6 degrees Celsius. The minimum temperature settled at a scorching 29.6 degrees Celsius, which was 4.2 degrees above normal, leaving residents with little relief even during the night.
The combination of sticky humidity and unusually warm nights has made conditions exhausting throughout the day and night, with many residents experiencing severe discomfort.
In Ranchi, the maximum temperature was relatively lower at 35 degrees Celsius, but the minimum temperature touched 25.2 degrees Celsius — around 1.8 degrees above normal — increasing humidity levels and making nights noticeably warmer.
Several other districts also reported intense heat. Daltonganj recorded the highest maximum temperature at 41 degrees Celsius, while Bokaro Thermal registered 40.1 degrees Celsius. Chaibasa recorded 38 degrees Celsius.
Weather experts said the rising minimum temperatures indicate increasing atmospheric moisture, which directly contributes to higher humidity and greater heat stress.
Officials noted that the humidity is making the air feel heavier and more suffocating, especially during the evening and early morning hours when temperatures usually drop.
Amid the uncomfortable weather, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted thunderstorms and gusty winds across parts of Jharkhand over the next three days, offering hope of some relief.
According to the forecast, isolated areas across the state, except the north-western region, may witness thunderstorms, lightning, and winds of 40 to 50 kmph on May 18.
Weather activity is expected to intensify on May 19, with gusty winds reaching 50 to 60 kmph likely over Dhanbad and Giridih. Central and southern districts, including Jamshedpur in East Singhbhum district, may also experience thunderstorms accompanied by moderate winds.
The alert remains in effect for May 20 as well, with districts including Hazaribagh, Koderma, Ramgarh and East Singhbhum likely to witness stronger thunderstorm activity and winds gusting up to 60 kmph.
Authorities have advised residents to remain cautious during thunderstorm activity, particularly due to the risk of lightning strikes and sudden strong winds.