Heat wave to prevail for 72 hours in Jamshedpur

Jamshedpur : The relentless heat wave which is tormenting the state since past one week is there to stay. The Met department today extended the heat wave conditions in Jharkhand for another 72-hours as the maximum temperature has crossed 4-5 degree Celsius above normal at several places.

“Jharkhand is in grip of heat wave due to the dominating westerly winds. We don’t see any signs of rain in the next 72-hours. The maximum temperature will continue to rise. Keeping this in view we have extended the heat wave conditions,” said A K Sen, director of the Patna Meteorological Office.

�The severe heat conditions are due to westerly to northwesterly winds which are prevailing at lower levels over the region. Heat wave conditions would continue to prevail in parts of Chottanagpur region during the next two days,” said the officials.

But, after a brief mercury slide at a few places including Jamshedpur earlier this week due to the impact of Nor’wester , the maximum temperature yet again has witnessed a steep rise.

The entire state is in the grip of north-westerly winds, which generally push up the daytime temperature. Such winds also do not help in the formation of Clouds.

Both the Patna and Ranchi Meteorological centres issued warning of ‘Loo’ , a hot wind which usually blows during the summer. It results in heat strokes.

Officials at the Regional Meteorological Centre at Alipore in Calcutta said that in case the heat wave persists, the mercury could shoot up to 45 degrees Celsius in the next 48-hours.

The heat pockets included Jamshedpur, Deoghar and several districts in Santhal Pargana region where the day temperature soared to around 43 degree Celsius today. The maximum tempeature hovered between 42-43 degree Celsius in Dhanbad, Bokaro and its adjoining areas.

Heat waves and sultry weather scare vehicle riders and pedestrians, and it resulted in roads wearing a deserted look during the day.

“The heat is unbearable and the high humidity is making life miserable. We cannot stay inside our homes, so how can we concentrate on studies, � said Nidhi, a Class IX student.

The city has been sweltering for the past few days with temperatures above 40 degrees Celsius and wearing a deserted look. Frequent power cuts have added to the woes of residents.

Passengers and commuters have been worst hit with hot winds blowing during the day. While the elderly have been staying indoors, those who are being forced to step out for official or personal work are taking adequate precautions.