Jamshedpur: The city experienced its coldest morning of the season on Monday, with the temperature plummeting to 7.9 degrees Celsius. This marks the lowest temperature recorded so far this winter, as the mercury continued to dip steadily throughout the night.
Although sunshine during the day provided some relief, the Meteorological Department has predicted a further drop in temperature, urging residents to brace for colder days ahead. The chill intensifies after sunset and peaks during the late-night hours, prompting locals to reach for heavier winter clothing.
Meanwhile, a biting cold wave swept across Jharkhand, with temperatures plunging significantly in several districts. Ranchi recorded minimum temperatures of 7.9 degrees Celsius, while Bokaro reported 7.1 degrees Celsius.
According to data from the India Meteorological Department (IMD), Lohardaga recorded the lowest minimum temperature in the state, at a chilling 4.6 degrees Celsius, while Garhwa followed closely with 5 degrees Celsius.
Ramgarh registered a minimum temperature of 5.5 degrees Celsius, and Hazaribagh recorded 6.6 degrees Celsius. The cold wave extended its icy grip to Daltonganj and Dhanbad, which reported minimum temperatures of 6.7 and 6.9 degrees Celsius, respectively.
Early morning activities in several districts were disrupted due to dense fog, with visibility dropping sharply in Jamshedpur, Khunti, and Ramgarh. Motorists faced challenges navigating through the misty conditions, which persisted until the sun broke through later in the day.
The Ranchi Meteorological Centre has issued an alert for shallow fog over the next 48 hours, advising caution during early morning and late evening hours. However, the IMD noted that no significant synoptic conditions are prevailing over the region at the moment, suggesting that the cold wave’s intensity might stabilize in the coming days.
The forecast indicates that Jharkhand will experience bright and dry weather conditions over the next two to three days, with daytime temperatures expected to remain moderate. Despite this, residents have been advised to stay prepared for the chill during nighttime and early mornings, as minimum temperatures are likely to hover around similar levels.
The ongoing cold wave has heightened the demand for warm clothing and heating solutions. Local markets have seen a surge in the sale of woolens, while bonfires and makeshift heaters have become a common sight in rural and urban areas alike.
Residents are urged to take precautions, especially the elderly and children, who are more vulnerable to the cold. Health experts recommend staying hydrated, dressing in layers, and avoiding prolonged exposure to the cold to prevent seasonal ailments.
With the foggy mornings and nippy nights, Jharkhand residents are bracing themselves for what appears to be one of the coldest Decembers in recent years. As the cold wave continues its grip, the IMD’s updates are being closely monitored by those planning travel or outdoor activities.
