New Delhi, 13 April (H.S.):
Intensifying summer heat has resurfaced in Jharkhand, prompting the Meteorological Department to issue a yellow alert for heatwaves ravaging 12 districts on April 17, 2026.
The affected regions encompass Garhwa, Palamu, Latehar, Chatra, Gumla, Lohardaga, Khunti, Ranchi, Simdega, East Singhbhum, West Singhbhum, and Saraikela-Kharsawan, where scorching winds are forecasted to exacerbate thermal discomfort.
Monday dawned clear across Ranchi and environs, with unrelenting sunlight yielding to oppressive midday heat that left residents scurrying for chilled refreshments. Recent pre-monsoon showers had tempered maximum temperatures by nearly 9°C, but sustained clear skies over the past three to four days have catalyzed a sharp rebound.
In the last 24 hours, Daltonganj clocked the state's highest at 39.8°C, contrasting Gumla's nadir of 16.8°C. Ranchi recorded a high of 34.8°C and low of 20.2°C; Jamshedpur 39.0°C/24.7°C; Daltonganj 39.8°C/20.8°C; Bokaro 38.1°C/20.2°C; and Chaibasa 36.8°C/20.2°C.
The department advises abstaining from unnecessary outdoor excursions during peak heatwave hours, maintaining copious hydration, and adopting sun-shielding measures to mitigate heatstroke risks.
---------------
Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar
