Heatwave alert for next 48 hours in 4 Jharkhand districts

Ranchi: Heatwave conditions will prevail over the northwestern parts of Jharkhand for the next 48 hours, the India Meteorological Department (IMD), Ranchi said on Monday.

Talking to TOI, Ranchi IMD director S D Kotal said four districts — Garhwa, Palamu, Chatra and Latehar — will primarily bear the brunt of the heat wave, while isolated pockets in other parts of the state may expect some thunderstorm and rain activity.

Kotal said, “We have issued a heatwave alert for Garhwa, Palamu, Chatra and Latehar. The mercury in these four districts is expected to touch 45 degree Celsius. Dry and hot westerly winds blowing into the state has led to the rise in temperature. But in the northeastern part of the state, there is a slight trough with favourable cloudy conditions that could cause some light showers with thunderstorms.”

The IMD has also issued an associated advisory regarding heatstroke for these four districts. Kotal said, “Although the heat will be tolerable for general masses, those with pre-existing health conditions will be vulnerable. So we are advising infants, the elderly or those with chronic diseases in these districts to avoid direct exposure to the sun during the heatwave.”

In cities like Ranchi and Jamshedpur, the temperatures are expected to hover around 41 degree Celsius and 39 degree Celsius, respectively in the next 48 hours. The Met department predicted that the state will get respite from May 28 onwards. Kotal said, “From May 28, most of Jharkhand will get relief as rains are expected to bring down the temperature.”

Meanwhile, strong winds lashed large parts of Ranchi and adjoining areas for less than an hour on Monday afternoon leading to uprooting of trees on the outskirts of the capital. In Namkum on NH-33, about half a dozen trees reportedly suffered damages causing a blockade on the highway.