PINAKI MAJUMDAR
Jamshedpur, March 28: Brace for heatwave conditions as Ranchi Meteorological Centre issued an alert of heatwave in Jharkhand for three days from Tuesday, March 29.
According to a special bulletin issued by the IMD, heatwave condition would prevail in Garhwa, Palamu, Chatra and Latehar on Tuesday, March 29 while on the next day on Wednesday, March 30 heatwave condition would prevail in Garhwa, Palamu, Chatra, Latehar, Bokaro, Dhanbad, Simdega, West Singhbhum and East Singhbhum.
According to the weather bulletin, on Thursday, March 31 heatwave conditions would prevail in Garhwa, Palamu, Chatra, Latehar, Simdega, West Singhbhum, East Singhbhum and Saraikela-Kharsawan.
The weather department has predicted a dry spell in Jharkhand with the maximum temperature climbing up by three to four degrees above normal in many parts from Tuesday, especially north-western and southern Jharkhand including Jamshedpur and Daltonganj.
Head of Ranchi Met Centre, Abhishek Anand said, “The mercury will witness a rising trend in the absence of any weather system. Most places across the state would experience dry weather with a gradual rise in temperature by another two to three degrees Celsius from Tuesday. There is no possibility of thunderstorm activity next week.”
The maximum temperature in Ranchi and its adjoining areas was hovering between 36-37 degrees Celsius on Sunday while the day’s reading touched over 39 degrees Celsius at Daltonganj, Jamshedpur, and several other districts in northwest Jharkhand.
Several other districts, including Godda, Hazaribagh, Koderma, Dhanbad, Deoghar and Dumka witnessed a rising trend in maximum readings.
Weathermen said that the wind pattern over Jharkhand was fluctuating between north-westerly and westerly, which is pushing up the day temperature.
IMD’s Ranchi Met Centre also issued an expected impact of the heatwave condition.
It said the heatwave could lead to moderate health concerns for vulnerable people like infants, the elderly and people with chronic diseases.
Increased likelihood of heat illness symptoms in people who are either exposed to the sun for a prolonged period or doing heavy work.
It also suggested certain actions and measures to tackle heat wave conditions. Avoid exposure to heat and prefer staying in a cool place. Drink sufficient water- even if not thirsty.
The measures also suggested wearing lightweight, light-coloured, loose, cotton clothes and covering the head with a cloth, hat or umbrella.
