The persistent heat wave which is tormenting the State since past one week is there to stay. The Met Office today extended the heat wave conditions in Jharkhand for another 72-hour as the maximum temperature has crossed 4-5 degree Celsius above normal at several places.
The Patna Meteorological Centre too has issued heat wave conditions over the State for the next 72-hours. Weathermen said temporary relief could, however, come from evening rains around the weekend.In the absence of rainfall, weathermen predicted that the maximum temperature might rise by another two degrees in the next couple of days.
“The weather chart analysis reveals that there is no possibility of rainfall over Jharkhand in the next 72 hours. The entire state is in the grip of north-westerly winds, which generally push up the daytime temperature. Such winds also do not help in the formation of clouds,” explained A.K. Sen, director of Patna Meteorological Centre.Officials at the Regional Meteorological Centre at Alipore in Calcutta said that in case the heat wave persists, the mercury could shoot up to 45 degrees Celsius in the next 48-hours.
Weather statistics showed that last year too, a similar weather condition prevailed during this time of the season. But, frequent bouts of Nor’wester rain brought relief. Data showed that last year the maximum temperature touched 45.5 degree Celsius on May 19. This year the temperature has been hovering between 43 degrees to 41 degrees. “The severe heat conditions are due to westerly to northwesterly winds which are prevailing at lower levels over the region. Heat wave conditions would continue to prevail in parts of Chotanagpur region during the 72 hours,” said the officials.
The mercury is hovering around 41 degree Celsius in the state capital with Dhanbad recording the highest with 42.1 degree Celsius.Scientist at Birsa Agricultural University (BAU) A Wadood said, “The state is in the clutches of heat wave due to dominating westerly winds and there is no sight of rainfall in next 72 hours. The maximum temperature will continue to rise and seeking all the factors we have extended the heat wave condition.”
He further added that the sudden change in day temperature by three to four degree Celsius is due to north – westerly wind which does not help in the formation of cloud also.According to Ranchi Meteorology Department, if the heat wave continues for long then the mercury is likely to shoot up to 48 degree Celsius with an all time high. Monsoon is likely to enter the State after June 15.
Meanwhile, sultry weather condition is worrying college goers as well as vehicle riders and pedestrians as they have been worst hit with the hot winds blowing during the day.“The heat is unbearable and the high humidity is making life miserable. We cannot stay inside our homes, so how can we concentrate on studies,” said a Class IX student in Jamshedpur.
“The heat wave and high humidity is making life miserable. The weather condition is becoming unbearable. Even we are not able to concentrate due to this blistering weather condition,” said Bihore Mittal, a class IX student of Bridge Ford School.