IMD's Ranchi Meteorological Centre this afternoon issued a forecast of a rise in maximum readings by 3-4 degrees Celsius in the next 72- hours, thus indicating a harsh summer ahead.

The maximum temperature has already touched 35 degrees Celsius in several places including Jamshedpur and several other parts of the Kolhan region.

Places like Godda, Garhwa, and several other places in the Santhal Pargana region also recorded the day's reading close to 35 degrees Celsius on Monday.

Ranchi and several areas in central Jharkhand recorded maximum readings between 32 and 34 degrees Celsius on Monday.

The forecast for the next five days indicated dry weather and a clear sky with maximum temperatures likely to be above normal by two to three degrees Celsius.

Data also revealed an abrupt rise in minimum readings in most districts of Jharkhand as winter departed from Jharkhand.

In meteorological parlance, it is winter if the minimum temperature stays below 13 degrees Celsius constantly.

Data suggests that in most parts of the state, night readings have shot up beyond 13 degrees.

The minimum reading has reached 16-18 degrees celsius in most districts, revealed Met data.

Head of IMD's Ranchi office Abhishek Anand said dry weather would prevail over Jharkhand with maximum and minimum readings showing a rising trend.

He ruled out the possibility of rain or thundershowers in Jharkhand during the next five days.