Ranchi Met Office Issues Orange Alert for Friday, Warns of Severe Thunderstorms
The Meteorological Office in Ranchi has forecasted continued rainfall and thunderstorms across various parts of Jharkhand, starting from Wednesday evening. While a yellow warning (watch) has been issued for multiple locations in the state from the latter half of Wednesday through Thursday, the office has escalated the alert to an orange warning (be alert and prepared) for Friday, March 20.
Increased Severity on Friday
Abhishek Anand, deputy director of the Ranchi Met Office, explained the decision: "The severity of thunderstorms will be more intense in isolated places across the state on Friday, which is why we have issued an orange warning." He emphasized that people should avoid taking shelter under trees, on building terraces, or near water bodies during the storm.
Anand also noted that the current weather patterns, including thunderstorms, lightning, rain, and hailstorms, resemble nor'westers, though the true nor'wester season typically begins in April. Hailstorms have already been reported in Dhanbad, Dumka, Giridih, and Jamtara.
Weather Forecast for Thursday
For Thursday, the Met Office predicts a partly cloudy sky with the possibility of light rain or thunderstorms at isolated places over the southern and central parts of Jharkhand. Affected districts include:
- Lohardaga
- Gumla
- Simdega
- Ramgarh
- Bokaro
- Ranchi
- Khunti
- West Singhbhum
- East Singhbhum
- Seraikela-Kharsawan
In contrast, the 14 districts in the northern part of the state are expected to receive no rainfall at all.
Recent Weather Observations
In the last 24 hours leading up to Wednesday morning, light to moderate rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms occurred in isolated areas across Jharkhand. Hailstorms were also observed in places such as Ranchi and Gumla.
The highest rainfall of 15 mm was recorded at Majhgaon in West Singhbhum district. Temperature extremes included a maximum of 36.8 degrees Celsius in Daltonganj and a minimum of 14.1 degrees Celsius in Koderma. In Ranchi, temperatures ranged from a maximum of 32.2 degrees Celsius to a minimum of 18.5 degrees Celsius.
