The state is currently grappling with an intense cold wave as sub-10 degrees Celsius temperatures prevail across its length and breadth. The biting cold has been attributed to the dominance of crisp and cold north-westerly winds blowing down from the northern parts of the country, triggered by recent snowfalls in Jammu and Kashmir and other northern regions.
Meteorologists at the Ranchi Meteorological Centre have forecasted no significant changes in weather conditions for the next two to three days. "We don’t see any adverse weather conditions which might impact Jharkhand’s weather in the next 2 to 3 days. Most districts would witness clear skies with sub-10 chill," said a duty officer at the Met Centre.
Data from the India Meteorological Department (IMD) reveals a widespread drop in temperatures across the state: Ranchi: The capital recorded a minimum temperature of 8 degrees Celsius, marking a significant chill. Jamshedpur: Known for its industrial vibrancy, the city recorded a minimum temperature of 9.8 degrees Celsius, adding to the discomfort of the residents. Daltonganj: Registered a bone-chilling low of 7.4 degrees Celsius. Bokaro Steel City: Recorded a minimum of 8.1 degrees Celsius. Kolhan Region: Several areas, including Chaibasa in West Singhbhum, saw temperatures drop to 8 degrees Celsius. Chatra: Experienced the coldest dip, with the temperature plummeting to 4.5 degrees Celsius.
Deoghar and Dhanbad: Both districts recorded minimum temperatures around 6.5 degrees Celsius. Hazaribag and Khunti: Registered 6.9 and 5.3 degrees Celsius, respectively. Lohardaga: Recorded a minimum of 6.4 degrees Celsius. Pakur: Saw a low of 8.6 degrees Celsius. Simdega and Ramgarh: Registered minimum temperatures of 6.3 and 7.3 degrees Celsius, respectively. Godda: The only district to experience relatively milder conditions, with a minimum of 11.6 degrees Celsius.
The plunging temperatures have brought life in Jharkhand to a near standstill during the early mornings and late evenings. Residents across the state are donning heavy woolens and resorting to bonfires to keep themselves warm. Schools, offices, and businesses have also witnessed delayed starts as people try to navigate the chill.
Health officials have issued advisories urging people to avoid prolonged exposure to the cold and to stay hydrated to counter the dry air accompanying the chill. Vulnerable groups, including the elderly and young children, have been advised to take extra precautions.
With no significant weather disturbances on the horizon, the prevailing conditions are expected to persist. The state’s weather is likely to remain dry, with clear skies offering some respite during the daytime, though the nights will continue to be cold.
“ For Jamshedpur and surrounding areas, this marks one of the coldest spells in recent memory, demanding heightened preparedness and resilience from its residents. As the cold wave intensifies, local authorities are ensuring that shelters and warm clothing are made available to those in need, especially in rural areas and among the homeless population,” said an official.
