PINAKI MAJUMDAR
Jamshedpur, Feb 18: Jharkhand continues to experience dry weather, with a steady rise in daytime temperatures across several districts over the past 24 hours.
Chaibasa recorded the highest maximum temperature at 33.4°C, making it the hottest place in the state during this period. Meanwhile, Gumla reported the lowest minimum temperature at 8.0°C, indicating that early mornings and late nights are still noticeably cold.
Ranchi, Jamshedpur See Temperature Fluctuations
In the state capital Ranchi, the maximum temperature reached 27.8°C, slightly above normal, while the minimum dropped to 10.3°C, below the seasonal average.
Steel city Jamshedpur recorded a maximum temperature of 31.4°C and a minimum of 13.4°C.
IMD Explains Synoptic Situation
According to officials at the India Meteorological Department (IMD) Ranchi centre, an induced upper air cyclonic circulation persists over Punjab and adjoining areas, extending up to 1.5 km above mean sea level.
Additionally, a Western Disturbance in the form of a cyclonic circulation lies over southeast Pakistan and adjoining areas, extending up to 7.6 km above mean sea level and tilting northwestwards with height.
Despite these systems, Jharkhand continues to witness dry weather conditions.
Residents Feel Rising Day Heat
Residents across cities have reported warmer afternoons.
“The afternoons are getting uncomfortable, especially for those who step out for work. But mornings are still pleasant,” said Anjali Verma, a school teacher in Morabadi, Ranchi.
Rohit Kumar, a college student in Chaibasa, highlighted the sharp contrast between day and night temperatures. “You still need a light sweater in the morning, but by noon it feels like summer is approaching,” he said.
In Jamshedpur, shopkeeper Sanjay Singh said, “It feels quite hot after 11 am. We have started using fans in the afternoon.” However, he added that evenings remain relatively comfortable.
Dry Conditions Likely to Continue
Weather officials said dry conditions are expected to persist over the coming days, with gradual fluctuations in day and night temperatures typical of the transition from winter to summer.