IMD Issues Thunderstorm and Lightning Alert for Jharkhand on March 31 and April 1

Gusty Winds up to 60 Kmph and Light to Moderate Rain Likely; Residents Urged to Stay Alert

Key Points:

• IMD warns of thunderstorm, lightning and gusty winds in Jharkhand on March 31 and April 1
• Wind gusts likely to reach 50-60 kmph across the state during the alert period
• IMD advises residents to avoid open fields and stay away from trees and electric poles

RANCHI – The India Meteorological Department has issued a weather alert for Jharkhand, warning of thunderstorm, lightning, and gusty winds on March 31 and April 1, 2026. Light to moderate rainfall is also likely to accompany these conditions across the state.

According to the IMD forecast, wind speeds are expected to reach 30 to 50 kilometres per hour. Gusts touching 60 kmph are also possible at isolated locations during this period.

The alert has been issued as a trough running from Bihar to Gangetic West Bengal across Jharkhand persists at 1.5 km above mean sea level. An upper air cyclonic circulation over north Odisha and its neighbourhood is also influencing weather systems in the region.

The IMD has urged residents to exercise caution. People have been advised to avoid open fields and stay indoors as far as possible during thunderstorm conditions.

In addition, residents have been warned not to take shelter under trees, electric poles, or any vulnerable and unsecured structures. Contact with water bodies during lightning activity has also been strongly discouraged.

Meanwhile, the wet spell over eastern India is part of a broader pattern of intense weather activity across the country during this period. Jharkhand has been experiencing above-normal rainfall activity in recent weeks.

Seasonal rainfall over the state has been deficient cumulatively so far, with a departure of minus 46 percent as of mid-March. However, the current wet spell is expected to bring above-normal rainfall for the state during the week.

Neighbouring Bihar and Odisha are also under similar weather warnings for this period. Sub-Himalayan West Bengal and Sikkim are likely to receive widespread light to moderate rainfall with isolated heavy spells.

Residents of Jamshedpur and other parts of East Singhbhum are advised to remain alert. The IMD has asked people to monitor weather updates regularly through its official website at mausam.imd.gov.in or by calling the helpline at 011-2434-4599.

A fresh Western Disturbance is also expected to affect northwest India from April 2, which may further influence weather patterns across the eastern and central parts of the country in the days ahead.