Winter has tightened its grip over Jharkhand, with temperatures dropping significantly across the state. Garhwa emerged as the coldest district, recording a bone-chilling 4.5°C, while Jamshedpur’s minimum temperature settled at 10.2°C, 2 degrees below normal. The cold wave is being attributed to the western disturbance, which has intensified the chill despite sunny weather during the day.

Jamshedpur saw a slight rise of 0.6°C in its minimum temperature over the last 24 hours but still recorded a chilly 10.2°C. The maximum temperature was 26.6°C. In Chaibasa, the mercury dropped to 7.8°C, 4.7°C below normal, marking an increase of 1.4°C in the last 24 hours. Saraikela recorded a low of 7.9°C, 3.1°C below normal.

Across the state, temperatures dipped below 10°C in 19 districts, including Ranchi (9.2°C), Daltonganj (6.6°C), and Dhanbad (6.3°C). Khunti experienced a particularly sharp drop, with the mercury falling to 5°C.

A yellow alert has been issued for severe cold wave conditions in Garhwa, Palamu, Chatra, Gumla, Ramgarh, Bokaro, and Dhanbad. Residents have been advised to take precautions against the extreme cold, especially during the early morning and late-night hours.

The minimum temperatures in East Singhbhum, West Singhbhum, and Saraikela are predicted to rise gradually over the next few days: East Singhbhum: 10°C (15th Dec) → 12°C (18th Dec), West Singhbhum: 9°C (15th Dec) → 11°C (18th Dec) Saraikela: 9°C (15th Dec) → 11°C (18th Dec)

Despite the expected slight increase, the cold is likely to persist, keeping residents on edge until further improvement in weather conditions.

The state’s weather department predicts that cold wave conditions will continue in parts of Jharkhand until Sunday. Residents are advised to stay warm and limit outdoor activities during peak cold hours.