PINAKI MAJUMDAR
Jamshedpur, Dec 29: A persistent cold wave continued to grip large parts of Jharkhand as minimum temperatures remained well below normal in several districts, according to the latest realised weather report issued by the Ranchi centre of India Meteorological Department (IMD).
The IMD report, based on surface observations recorded at 8:30 am, revealed that Lohardaga recorded the lowest minimum temperature in the state at 3.1°C, officially confirming cold wave conditions in the district.
Dense to moderate fog was also reported at multiple locations, affecting visibility during the morning hours.
Among major stations, Chaibasa recorded the highest maximum temperature at 27.8°C, while Ranchi saw a daytime maximum of 23.7°C, marginally above normal.
However, the minimum temperature in Ranchi dipped to 7.2°C, which is 1.3°C below normal, reinforcing the chilly conditions in the capital city.
Jamshedpur recorded a maximum temperature of 25.0°C and a minimum of 10.0°C, both slightly below normal.
Daltonganj remained one of the coldest places during the day as well, with a maximum temperature of only 18.2°C, showing a sharp negative departure from normal.
The IMD noted fog conditions at several locations across the state. Daltonganj reported the lowest visibility at just 300 metres, while fog was also observed at Ranchi (800 m), Jamshedpur (800 m), Deoghar (650 m) and surrounding areas, causing inconvenience to early morning commuters.
Data from Automated Weather Stations (AWS) further confirmed the widespread cold conditions.
Minimum temperatures dropped to 4.9°C in Gumla, 5.0°C in Khunti, 7.3°C in Simdega, and 8.9°C in Hazaribagh.
Most districts experienced minimum temperatures well below seasonal averages, though no rainfall was recorded anywhere in the state during the past 24 hours.
The IMD confirmed nil rainfall across Jharkhand, indicating dry weather conditions prevailing throughout the state.
With clear skies and calm winds during night hours, cold wave conditions are likely to persist, especially in western and central districts.
Residents have been advised to take precautions against cold weather, particularly during early morning and night hours, while motorists are urged to exercise caution due to reduced visibility caused by fog.
The IMD continues to closely monitor the situation and is expected to issue further advisories if temperatures drop further in the coming days.
