The weather department has issued an orange alert for severe heat wave for various districts in Jharkhand on Tuesday. The maximum temperature across the State is likely to increase by 3- 5 degrees. The temperature in the State capital is likely to soar at 42 degree Celsius.

For May 29 and May 30, the department has issued an orange alert with a warning for severe heat wave for the districts of Garwah, Palamu and Chatra. Western, central and southern parts including Koderma, Hazaribagh, Latehar, Lohardaga, Ranchi, Ramgarh, Gumla, Khunti, West Singhbhum, Saraikela and East Singhbhum will also have effects of a heat wave with a rise in the maximum temperature on May 29 and May 30.

On May 30 and May 31, pockets of northeast Jharkhand may witness light rainfall while east Jharkhand is expected to witness light showers on June 1

“For the next few days apart from the north eastern parts of Jharkhand, heat wave like conditions will be prevailing across the state. People are advised to be cautious and stay indoors. From May 31 due to the easterly winds, there will be some respite from the heat. Due to the incoming moisture, there are chances of thunderstorms and light showers in the second half of the day,” said Director MET Centre, Ranchi Abhishek Anand.

As per the weather bulletin released on May 28, in the last 24 hours, the maximum temperature was recorded at Daltonganj at 47.5 degree Celsius followed by Chaibasa at 38.6 and Jamshedpur at 37.6 degree Celsius. The State capital was recorded at 40.2 degree Celsius.

The MET Centre has also issued a warning for thunderstorm and lighting in the eastern parts of Jharkhand accompanied with gusty winds with a speed of up to 30- 40 km per hour for May 30 and May 31.

The department has also issued precautionary measures that can be taken during the heat wave. This includes avoiding exposure to direct sun, avoiding stepping out during the peak hours 11 am to 4 pm unless necessary and keeping extra care of children and elderly as they are at most risk of a heatstroke.

 As per the communiqué, on May 29 and May 30 the maximum temperature in Ranchi will be around 42 degree Celsius. This is likely to go down to 98 degree Celsius on June 1.