UditVani, Jamshedpur: The first spell of heat wave conditions has begun to make its presence felt in Jharkhand, with several places across the state witnessing a sharp rise in temperatures.
On Friday, locations including Daltonganj, Jamshedpur and Seraikela recorded maximum temperatures above 39 degrees Celsius, signalling the onset of intense summer conditions.
According to weather officials, the daytime temperatures in these areas were more than five degrees Celsius above normal, placing them close to heat wave criteria.
The soaring mercury and dry weather have led to uncomfortable conditions, particularly during the afternoon hours.
The meteorological outlook indicates that heat wave conditions are likely to occur at isolated places over the north-western parts of the state on March 14 and 15.
At the same time, thunderstorm activity accompanied by lightning and gusty winds with speeds of 40–50 Kmph is expected at isolated places across the state on March 15, except in the north-western region.
On March 16, thunderstorms and gusty winds are likely to occur at a few places across Jharkhand, while similar weather conditions may prevail at isolated places on March 17.
Such convective activity may bring brief spells of light rain and temporary relief from the prevailing heat in some areas.
Meteorological analysis indicates that the upper-air cyclonic circulation over Bangladesh and adjoining Gangetic West Bengal, which earlier extended up to about 1.5 Km above mean sea level, has weakened.
However, a trough aloft in the lower-level westerlies persists between 3.1 Km and 4.5 Km above mean sea level roughly along longitude 90°E to the north of latitude 22°N.
In addition, a trough extending from northeast Bihar to south Odisha now runs from Jharkhand to Vidarbha across Chhattisgarh at about 0.9 Km above mean sea level.
These synoptic features are likely to trigger thunderstorm activity over the region during the next few days.
During the past 24-hours, light rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms was recorded at isolated places in the state.
Pakur registered the highest rainfall of 6.8 mm during the period.
Weather experts have advised people to avoid prolonged exposure to the sun during peak afternoon hours, remain hydrated and take precautions against lightning during thunderstorm activity.
