Jamshedpur: A deep depression currently hovering over the Northwest Bay of Bengal, near the West Bengal-Bangladesh coasts, has intensified, triggering weather alerts for several eastern states including Jharkhand. The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has warned of potential thunderstorms, lightning, and gusty winds across isolated regions of Jharkhand as the system continues its northward movement.
As of 08:30 AM IST today, the system was located near latitude 21.3°N and longitude 88.5°E, moving north at a speed of approximately 20 kmph. According to the latest updates, it lies: Around 60 km southeast of Sagar Island, 110 km east-southeast of Digha, 160 km east of Balasore,180 km south-southwest of Mongla (Bangladesh) and 180 km west of Khepupara (Bangladesh).
The strengthening depression is expected to cause isolated occurrences of thunderstorms across Jharkhand throughout the day. These storms may be accompanied by lightning and gusty winds with speeds ranging between 30–40 kmph, posing risks to both life and property in vulnerable areas.
Meteorologists have attributed the changing weather patterns to the deep depression’s northward trajectory and the interaction of regional weather systems. A trough at approximately 0.9 km above mean sea level is also playing a significant role in the evolving weather scenario. This trough currently extends from southeast Rajasthan to the center of the depression, passing through north Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, and Gangetic West Bengal.
Experts believe that this alignment is intensifying atmospheric instability, especially over parts of eastern and central India.
Authorities have urged residents in Jharkhand and surrounding regions to remain alert and avoid unnecessary travel during the expected period of weather disturbance. “People are advised to stay indoors, unplug electrical devices during thunderstorms, and avoid sheltering under trees,” said an official from the regional meteorological center.
While coastal regions of West Bengal and parts of Bangladesh are bracing for heavier impacts from the deep depression, inland states like Jharkhand are expected to experience indirect but potentially hazardous weather. In addition to lightning and winds, heavy rainfall may occur in some pockets, raising concerns about waterlogging in urban low-lying areas.
