The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a heatwave warning for three districts of Jharkhand while predicting light to moderate rainfall in several parts of the state over the next six days starting May 24.
According to the weather department, Garhwa, Palamu and Chatra districts are expected to experience heatwave conditions on Monday. At the same time, rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms, lightning and strong winds is likely across many regions of the state until May 29.
An orange alert has also been issued for parts of north-eastern and central Jharkhand, particularly Dhanbad, for Sunday. The IMD stated that wind speeds during thunderstorms may reach up to 50-60 kmph in some districts, while a yellow alert has been issued for the remaining areas.
The weather office said 13 districts in the north-eastern and adjoining central regions are likely to receive rainfall on May 24 and 25. Between May 25 and 26, around 17 districts may witness light to moderate rain along with thunderstorms and gusty winds ranging between 40 and 50 kmph.
From May 26 to 29, isolated thundershowers and lightning activity are expected in different parts of Jharkhand.
IMD Ranchi Deputy Director Abhishek Anand said partly cloudy conditions are expected to continue over the coming days, with chances of scattered rainfall across the state. He added that there is unlikely to be any major change in maximum temperatures during the next five days.
In the last 24 hours, Kaliasol in Dhanbad district recorded the highest rainfall at 40.2 mm, followed by Amrapara in Pakur district with 16 mm of rainfall.
Meanwhile, Daltonganj in Palamu district remained the hottest place in the state with a maximum temperature of 44.4 degrees Celsius. Bokaro Thermal recorded 41.5 degrees Celsius, while Seraikela registered 41 degrees Celsius. Ranchi recorded a maximum temperature of 39.2 degrees Celsius.
Amid the continuing heatwave-like conditions, Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren directed government officials and panchayat representatives to ensure proper drinking water facilities at public places and outside government offices.
He instructed district administrations to make emergency water supply arrangements through tankers in areas facing water shortages and also ordered immediate repairs of faulty hand pumps. Soren stressed that no village or locality should suffer due to lack of drinking water and urged officials to act with sensitivity and urgency in the public interest.
Originally published on 24×7-news.com.
