Thunderstorm spell to sweep Jharkhand till May 23

Jamshedpur: The India Meteorological Department (IMD), Ranchi, has forecast an extended spell of thunderstorm activity accompanied by lightning and gusty winds across large parts of Jharkhand over the next several days, prompting caution for residents amid fluctuating weather conditions.

According to the latest evening weather bulletin issued on May 17, isolated thunderstorms with lightning and wind speeds of 40–50 kmph are likely over most parts of the state on May 18, excluding the north-western districts.

The intensity is expected to rise on May 19, with stronger gusts of 50–60 kmph likely over the north-eastern and adjoining central districts, particularly Dhanbad and Giridih, while the remaining central and southern districts may witness winds of 40–50 kmph.

The weather system is expected to intensify further on May 20, with IMD predicting thunderstorms, lightning, and gusty winds reaching 50–60 kmph over Hazaribagh, Koderma, Ramgarh, Bokaro, Dhanbad, Ranchi, Khunti, Saraikela-Kharsawan and East Singhbhum, while the rest of Jharkhand is likely to experience comparatively moderate winds between 40 and 50 kmph.

From May 21 to May 23, thunderstorm and lightning activity is expected to persist across the state, barring the north-western belt, with gusty winds ranging between 40 and 50 kmph.

The latest temperature readings indicate that Jamshedpur remained among the hottest major cities in the state, recording a maximum temperature of 39.6°C, which is 1.1 degrees above normal, while the minimum temperature settled at 27.2°C, significantly 1.8 degrees above seasonal average.

The city also witnessed a notable 5.4-degree rise in minimum temperature over the last 24 hours, signaling heightened humidity and discomfort.

Meanwhile, Daltonganj recorded the highest maximum temperature in Jharkhand at 41.0°C, while Gumla AWS reported the highest rainfall at 2 mm. Ranchi registered a relatively cooler maximum of 35.0°C, while Bokaro and Daltonganj also remained above the 40-degree mark.

The IMD has advised residents, especially those in vulnerable and open areas, to remain alert during thunderstorm hours, avoid sheltering under trees, and take necessary precautions against lightning strikes and strong winds, which may cause localized disruptions.