UditVani, Jamshedpur : Jharkhand remained in the throes of an intense winter spell on Monday, with the cold wave refusing to loosen its hold across the state.
The latest Realised Weather Report issued by the India Meteorological Department (IMD), Ranchi, paints a stark picture of plunging temperatures, widespread fog and persistently dry conditions.
The sharpest chill was felt in Lohardaga, where the Automated Weather Station (AWS) registered a minimum temperature of just 3.1°C, the lowest recorded in the state, officially confirming cold wave conditions.
Several other districts also experienced minimum temperatures significantly below normal, underscoring the severity of the winter spell.
Chilly Nights, Uneven Day Temperatures
While daytime temperatures offered limited relief in a few pockets, nights remained biting cold. Chaibasa (PTO) emerged as the warmest location during the day with a maximum temperature of 27.8°C, whereas Daltonganj struggled to warm up, recording a subdued maximum of 18.2°C, well below the seasonal average.
In the state capital Ranchi, the mercury climbed to 23.7°C during the day but plunged to 7.2°C at night, keeping residents wrapped in winter wear.
Jamshedpur reported a maximum of 25.0°C and a minimum of 10.0°C, both slightly below normal.
Fog Disrupts Morning Life
Dense to moderate fog blanketed several parts of Jharkhand during the early morning hours, severely affecting visibility.
Daltonganj witnessed the worst conditions with visibility dropping to 300 metres, while fog was also reported in Ranchi, Jamshedpur, Deoghar and adjoining regions, slowing traffic and disrupting routine activities.
Dry Spell Continues
Despite the cold wave and fog, the state remained completely dry. The IMD reported no rainfall across any district during the past 24 hours, a factor that has contributed to sharp nighttime cooling.
Advisory
With clear skies and calm winds expected to persist, meteorologists warn that cold wave conditions may continue in the coming days, particularly in western and central Jharkhand.
People are advised to limit exposure to the cold during early morning and night hours, while drivers are urged to exercise caution amid foggy conditions.
