Thunderstorms, heavy rainfall likely over next four days in Jamshedpur

Jamshedpur: India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a weather alert for Jharkhand, forecasting thunderstorms, lightning, gusty winds, and heavy rainfall at several places in the state over the next four days. The alert comes at a time when a low-pressure system continues to prevail over the northwest Bay of Bengal, off the Odisha coast, raising the likelihood of widespread showers across eastern India.

According to the IMD’s bulletin, August 28 will see thunderstorms and lightning accompanied by gusty winds reaching 30–40 kmph at isolated places, particularly in the southern and central parts of Jharkhand. Districts in the Kolhan and adjoining central plateau regions are expected to experience these weather conditions.

On August 29, the intensity of rainfall is likely to increase. Heavy showers are predicted at isolated places in south-eastern and north-eastern districts, alongside thunderstorms and gusty winds. Areas such as East Singhbhum, West Singhbhum, Seraikela-Kharsawan, Pakur, and Sahebganj may receive significant downpours, potentially impacting normal life.

The IMD has further cautioned that August 30 may bring heavy rainfall to the north-eastern parts of the state. Thunderstorms accompanied by gusty winds are also expected across Jharkhand on the same day, adding to the risk of waterlogging in low-lying areas, damage to standing crops, and disruption of local transport.

Moving into August 31, the forecast suggests heavy rainfall at isolated places in Jharkhand, keeping the state on continued alert for potential flooding in river catchment areas and rural belts.

The meteorological office has attributed the ongoing weather pattern to a low-pressure area persisting over the northwest Bay of Bengal near the Odisha coast, which was observed on Wednesday morning. The associated cyclonic circulation currently extends up to 7.6 km above mean sea level and is expected to intensify further over the next two days as it moves in a west-northwestward direction.

Additionally, the monsoon trough extends from Ganganagar in Rajasthan to the northwest Bay of Bengal, passing through Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, and embedded cyclonic circulations. This alignment is expected to enhance the flow of moisture-laden winds into Jharkhand, resulting in widespread rain and thunderstorms.

The IMD has advised residents, particularly in rural and vulnerable areas, to remain cautious during thunderstorms and avoid open fields or unsafe structures during lightning strikes. Farmers have also been alerted to take preventive measures to safeguard their crops against the impact of heavy rain and gusty winds.