Bone-numbing chill grips Jharkhand: Mercury plunges to 3°C in Gumla

Jamshedpur: Jharkhand is reeling under a severe cold wave as temperatures continue to plummet across the state. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) reported that Gumla recorded the lowest temperature today, with the mercury dipping to a bone-chilling 3°C.

Gumla emerged as the coldest place in Jharkhand, closely followed by Chatra, where the temperature dropped to 4.1°C. Cold wave conditions prevailed in these regions, causing discomfort and prompting residents to bundle up.

The state capital Ranchi also witnessed a significant dip in temperature, recording a low of 7°C. In Jamshedpur, the minimum temperature dropped to 9.4°C, marking an unusually cold night for the city.

Other parts of the state reported similarly frigid conditions. Daltonganj recorded a minimum temperature of 6.6°C, Bokaro stood at 7.5°C, while Garhwa and Hazaribagh both reported readings around 6°C. Dhanbad and Khunti recorded lows of 6.5°C and 6.7°C, respectively.

“The intensified chill is attributed to the strong flow of cold and dry north-westerly winds coupled with snowfall in northern India, which has increased the freeze quotient in eastern regions,” explained a duty officer at the Ranchi Meteorological Centre.

Cold wave conditions were noted in isolated pockets, and the IMD predicted that the minimum temperatures would remain largely unchanged over the next 24 hours. However, a gradual rise of 2-3°C is expected in the following days, providing slight relief.

The chilling temperatures have extended their grip to other districts, including Koderma, Deoghar, and Simdega, all of which reported a notable drop in night readings.

Residents across the state have been seen huddling around bonfires, donning heavy winter gear, and limiting outdoor activities to combat the biting cold. Schools in some districts have delayed morning schedules, and health advisories have been issued, especially for vulnerable populations such as children and the elderly.

With the weather showing no immediate signs of improvement, Jharkhand remains firmly in the clutches of winter’s icy grip, leaving its residents braced for more chilly days ahead.