Jamshedpur: Jharkhand continues to reel under an intense heatwave, with soaring daytime temperatures and little respite even after sunset making conditions increasingly uncomfortable.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has cautioned that while the heatwave persists, changing weather patterns could bring some relief in the form of thunderstorms, strong winds, and even hail over the next few days.
Daltonganj emerged as the hottest place in the state, recording a blistering 44.8°C, followed by Chaibasa at 43.4°C. Jamshedpur saw temperatures climb to 41.5°C, while Bokaro and Ranchi registered 40.1°C and 39.9°C respectively—well above seasonal averages.
Adding to the discomfort, nights have remained unusually warm, offering little cooling after dusk. Rainfall has been scarce, with only Bokaro receiving a brief 2 mm shower, doing little to ease the heat.
Clear skies and dry atmospheric conditions have continued to intensify solar heating, raising concerns about heat-related illnesses, particularly in urban pockets.
An IMD official noted that the heatwave remains firmly entrenched due to persistent dry weather and strong sunlight. However, evolving atmospheric conditions are now becoming favourable for thunderstorm activity.
According to forecasts, several districts—including Ranchi, Bokaro, Gumla, Hazaribagh, Khunti, Ramgarh, East and West Singhbhum, Simdega, Saraikela-Kharsawan, Koderma, Lohardaga, Dhanbad, Giridih, and Jamtara—may witness thunderstorms accompanied by lightning and gusty winds reaching 50–60 kmph on April 28.
Similar weather activity is expected to continue on April 29 in other parts of the state, with wind speeds of 40–50 kmph.
By April 30, conditions could become more intense, with the possibility of hailstorms in districts such as Chatra, Hazaribagh, Koderma, Godda, Sahibganj, Pakur, Dumka, Deoghar, Jamtara, Giridih, Dhanbad, Bokaro, Ramgarh, and Ranchi.
Residents have been advised to remain cautious during this period—avoid open areas during lightning, take shelter during strong winds, and stay protected from hail.
As Jharkhand heads into a potentially volatile weather phase, authorities are urging people to stay hydrated, limit exposure to direct sunlight, and follow safety advisories until conditions begin to improve.