Ranchi records 43 degrees C; highest in 50 years

Ranchi: Once the summer capital of undivided Bihar, Ranchi is in the grip of heat wave as the mercury soared to 43 degrees Celsius on Sunday, a record in 50 years, the Met Office said on Monday.

"In 1966, the maximum temperature in June was 42.6 degrees Celsius and on June 4, the mercury was recorded at 43 degrees Celsius. This is the highest in the last 50 years," an official of Ranchi Met Office told IANS.

The maximum temperature in Ranchi in June 2014, 2015 and 2016 was respectively 40.7 degrees Celsius, 41 degrees Celsius and 40.6 degrees Celsius.

This year, the city is sweating it out at 40-plus degrees Celsius regularly.

"We have not witnessed this kind of high temperature in Ranchi. The city used to receive showers in the evening after high temperatures in the day. This year, the mercury touched 43 degrees Celsius and the temperature is remaining 40 degrees Celsius plus consistently," said Suman Kumar, a 47-year-old Ranchi resident. 

According to environmentalists, increasing population, rising number of vehicles, concrete jungles and felling of the tress led to the increase in temperature in Ranchi.

After the creation of Jharkhand in November 2000, Ranchi has added more than 2.50 lakh vehicles, including two and four-wheelers, to its numbers.

According to weather officials, no respite is in sight till the arrival of monsoon in the state.

On June 4, the maximum temperature was recorded in Garwah district at 46.5 degrees Celsius followed by Palamau at 45.9 degrees Celsius.