IMD's Ranchi Meteorological Centre on Sunday issued an alert of heat wave in Jharkhand for three days from Tuesday, March 29.

According to a special bulletin issued by IMD, heat wave condition would prevail in Garhwa, Palamu, Chatra and Latehar on Tuesday, March 29 while on the next day on Wednesday, March 30 heat wave condition would prevail i Garhwa, Palamu, Chatra, Latehar, Bokaro, Dhanbad,Simdega, West Singhbhum and East Singhbhum.

According to the weather bulletin, on Thursday, March 31 heat wave condition 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 Daltongunj.

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 gradual rise in temperature by another two to three degree Celsius from Tuesday. There is no possibility of thunderstorm activity next week."

Sunday's satellite pictures indicated a weak trough at 1.5 km above mean sea level running from Jharkhand to Chhatisgarh. Weathermen said the trough is very weak to trigger any thunderous activity.

The maximum temperature in Ranchi and its adjoining areas was hovering between 36-37 degree Celsius on Sunday while the day's reading touched over 39 degree Celsius at Daltonganj, Jamshedpur, and several other districts in north west 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 push up the day temperature.

IMD's Ranchi Met Centre also issued an expected impact of the heat wave condition. It said the heat wave could lead to moderate health concern for vulnerable people like infants, elderly and people with chronic diseases.

Increased likelihood of heat illness symptoms in people who are either exposed to sun for a prolonged period or doing heavy work. It also suggested certain action and measures to tackle heat wave condition.

Avoid exposure to heat and prefer staying in a cool place. Drink sufficient water - even if not thirsty. The measures also suggested wearing of lightweight, light-coloured, loose, cotton clothes and covering head with a cloth, hat or umbrella. It also suggested use of ORS, homemade drinks like lassi, torani (rice water), lemon water, buttermilk, etc. to keep oneself hydrated.