PINAKI MAJUMDAR
Jamshedpur, Dec 31: A severe cold wave along with dense fog continued to affect Jharkhand on Wednesday, as night temperatures dropped well below normal in several districts, according to the latest Realised Weather Report issued by the Ranchi Meteorological Centre.
Gumla coldest at 3.9°C
The report, based on observations recorded at 8.30 am, stated that Gumla recorded the lowest minimum temperature in the state at a freezing 3.9°C, making it one of the coldest nights of the season so far.
Cold wave conditions were officially reported in Gumla and Bokaro.
Day temperatures also remained subdued in many areas. Jamshedpur recorded a maximum temperature of 21.1°C, nearly 4.6°C below normal, while Daltonganj logged 20.5°C, a departure of –4.1°C. Ranchi saw a marginally warmer day, with the maximum temperature touching 24.2°C, slightly above normal.
Jagannathpur warmest
On the warmer end, Jagannathpur AWS in West Singhbhum emerged as the hottest location in the state, recording a maximum temperature of 28.1°C.
Dense fog significantly reduced visibility in several areas, affecting early morning movement. Daltonganj recorded the lowest visibility at just 300 metres. Fog was also observed at Jamshedpur, where visibility dropped to 500 metres, and at Deoghar, with visibility at 650 metres.
No rainfall was reported anywhere in the state during the past 24 hours, with all observation centres registering nil precipitation.
IMD issues advisory
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has advised residents to take precautions against cold-related health issues, especially during early morning and late night hours, as cold wave and foggy conditions are likely to persist in parts of Jharkhand over the next few days.
