Jamshedpur, Dec. 29: Cold wave conditions to prevail for another 48 hours, said weathermen today. Jamshedpur today recorded minimum of 7.8 degree Celsius, three points below normal . Minimum nosedived to�6.2 degrees at Chaibasa, headquarters of West Singhbhum.
Statistics revealed that on December 31, 2007, the minimum temperature had dropped to five degree Celsius. On Sunday the temperature was 7.8 degrees. ���
Though temperature in the city hovered between 9 degrees Celsius and 10 degrees Celsius in past week but it has reduced recently sending bitter chilling experiences to the people.
According to local Metrological department the Celsius, which is four degrees below normal would witness more dips in the days to come. Meanwhile, the city wore a virtually deserted look in the evening with most people preferring to stay indoors.
The officials said that similar conditions will continue to prevail in the city in the coming days. The poor people on the streets have been the worst hit by the cold wave. Footpath dwellers and poor were seen cluster around bonfires lit from dry woods, used tyres and even garbage to beat the cold.
�Though a slender sunshine gave respite in the afternoon but the cool breeze gave chilling experience. Nights are becoming unbearable,� said an official.
Weatherman forecast that there will be no respite from the cold in the coming days. Significantly, both minimum and maximum temperatures were below normal all over the State.
Data available from the Patna Meteorological Office said that most parts of the state, including Jamshedpur, Ranchi and Daltonganj, were suffering with temperatures five degrees below normal.
The chill has intensified because of the strong flow of the dry north-westerly. The cold wave prevailing in large parts of northern India is also adding to the crispness of weather in Jharkhand. The condition will stay for another 48 hours ,� said the duty officer at Regional Meteorological Centre in Alipore, Calcutta.
The Alipore office also signalled at no reprieve from biting cold. �Analysis indicate formation of a low-pressure trough over south-west Bay of Bengal. If it advances towards the north-westerly side, it will also impact the day readings in Jharkhand,� the duty officer said.
The low-pressure trough can help in formation of clouds and bring down maximum temperatures. The chill being felt at night will then also be felt during the day.
Meanwhile as winter�s chill slowly set in with delightfully cool breezy nights, the families from the Tibetan colonies are in the city to provide warm comfort with their woollen wears. The sudden drop in temperature during the past few weeks has increased up the sale of woollen clothes and the Tibetans are a happy lot.