UditVani, Jamshedpur : A piercing winter chill has begun to dominate Jharkhand, with weather data from the India Meteorological Department indicating a steady slide in temperatures across much of the state.
IMD Ranchi centre’s statistics shows that cold conditions are intensifying, particularly during the night and early morning hours, setting the stage for a prolonged cold wave.
Several parts of the state are already feeling the bite of winter.
Gumla emerged as the coldest place, where the minimum temperature dropped sharply to 3.6°C, bringing confirmed cold wave conditions. Khunti followed with a low of 4.8°C, while Hazaribagh and Simdega recorded 5.1°C and 6.3°C respectively.
Even traditionally milder areas saw a notable dip, with Ranchi recording a minimum of 8.5°C and Jamshedpur 10.8°C.
Although daytime temperatures remained relatively comfortable, the sharp fall after sunset is making nights increasingly harsh.
Western and central districts also experienced pronounced cooling. Daltonganj saw its minimum temperature sink to 6.1°C, Bokaro Thermal to 7.6°C and Lohardaga to 6.6°C, reflecting the spread of cold air across the plateau.
Chaibasa, despite being the warmest during the day at 28.8°C, could not escape the chill at night, when temperatures fell to 8.6°C.
The absence of any rainfall has further contributed to the dry and cold conditions, allowing temperatures to drop rapidly after dusk.
Fog at Deoghar, where visibility fell to 800 metres, added to the early morning cold and reduced clarity.
Looking ahead, the IMD has issued a strong warning of worsening cold.
Cold wave conditions are likely to prevail in isolated pockets of north-western and adjoining central parts of Jharkhand on the morning of January 14, and the spell is expected to continue through January 15 and January 16.
This means residents of Gumla, Khunti, Latehar, Lohardaga, Palamu, Simdega and nearby districts should prepare for biting cold, especially during the first few hours after sunrise.
With winter tightening its grip, people are being urged to remain cautious.
Prolonged exposure to low temperatures can pose health risks, particularly for the elderly, children and those working outdoors.
As Jharkhand heads into one of the coldest phases of the season, warm clothing and protection from the cold winds will be essential to stay safe and comfortable.
