Jamshedpur: The biting chill of winter tightened its grip across Jharkhand as the free fall of minimum temperatures continued unabated, driven by the prevailing north-westerly winds. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) Ranchi Meteorological Centre reported a significant dip in night temperatures across the state, sparking moderate cold wave conditions in isolated pockets.
Among the districts, Gumla stood out as the coldest location in Jharkhand, registering a bone-chilling 5.2 degrees Celsius as the state’s lowest minimum temperature today. The sub-6 degree Celsius reading underscored the severity of the ongoing cold wave.
Other key districts also reported markedly low minimum temperatures. Ranchi, the state capital, recorded a minimum of 6.6 degrees Celsius, maintaining its reputation for chilly winter nights. Meanwhile, Jamshedpur, known for its relatively moderate climate, experienced a sharp dip, with the mercury sliding to 10 degrees Celsius.
Daltonganj, another prominent location, recorded a minimum temperature of 7 degrees Celsius, while Bokaro registered 8.4 degrees Celsius. The cold wave’s grip extended to Hazaribagh and Deoghar, both of which reported temperatures hovering around 7.5 degrees Celsius. In Khunti, the minimum plummeted to a frigid 5.5 degrees Celsius, reflecting the widespread impact of the icy winds.
IMD officials attributed the falling temperatures to the dominance of dry and cold north-westerly winds sweeping across the region. “The minimum temperature is expected to remain on a downward trajectory for the next 48 hours,” an official from the Ranchi Meteorological Centre stated. However, a slight rise in temperatures is anticipated after this period as weather patterns undergo gradual changes.
Moderate cold wave conditions persisted in isolated areas, particularly in regions with lower minimum temperatures. The chilly nights have prompted residents to brace for cold mornings and evenings, with local markets witnessing a surge in the sale of winter essentials such as woolens, heaters, and blankets.
Residents across Jharkhand have been adapting to the ongoing cold spell. “We haven’t experienced such a drop in temperatures for quite some time,” remarked Ramesh Singh, a local resident. “Layering up and staying indoors during the late evenings has become essential.”
Meanwhile, local authorities have issued advisories urging people, especially children and the elderly, to take precautions to prevent cold-related illnesses. Community bonfires have been arranged in several areas to help residents combat the extreme chill.
