Mail News Service
Jamshedpur, Dec 29: Jharkhand continued to reel under a harsh winter spell on Monday, with a biting cold wave sweeping across the state and keeping night temperatures well below normal.
The latest Realised Weather Report released by the India Meteorological Department (IMD), Ranchi, highlights a combination of freezing nights, patchy sunshine during the day and dense morning fog, all adding to the seasonal chill.
The most severe conditions were recorded in Lohardaga, where the minimum temperature plunged to 3.1°C, the lowest in Jharkhand, officially marking cold wave conditions.
Several other districts also reported sharply low night temperatures, signalling the persistence of winter’s intensity.
Daytime temperatures showed wide variation across the state. Chaibasa emerged as the warmest location with a maximum temperature of 27.8°C, offering brief daytime comfort.
In contrast, Daltonganj remained unusually cold even during the day, recording a maximum of just 18.2°C, far below normal.
In Ranchi, the capital city, the mercury touched 23.7°C during the day before dipping to 7.2°C at night, keeping the chill firmly in place.
Jamshedpur reported a maximum temperature of 25.0°C and a minimum of 10.0°C, both slightly below average.
Meanwhile, morning hours witnessed widespread fog across several districts, disrupting daily routines and reducing visibility on roads.
Daltonganj reported the poorest visibility at 300 metres, while fog was also observed in Ranchi, Jamshedpur, Deoghar and nearby areas, prompting motorists to drive with caution.
Despite the cold and fog, Jharkhand remained rain-free. The IMD confirmed no rainfall across the state in the last 24 hours, with dry conditions further intensifying the night time cold.
Weather experts warn that with clear skies and calm winds likely to continue, cold wave conditions may persist, particularly in western and central parts of Jharkhand.
Residents have been advised to take adequate precautions against the cold, especially during late night and early morning hours, while commuters are urged to remain alert in fog-prone areas.
The IMD continues to monitor the situation and is expected to issue further advisories as winter conditions evolve.
