PINAKI MAJUMDAR
Jamshedpur, Jan 16: Jharkhand continues to shiver under an intense cold wave, with temperatures across most parts of the state remaining well below normal on Friday. Several districts recorded minimum temperatures below 10°C, signalling a sustained spell of severe winter conditions.
Khunti emerged as the coldest place in the state over the past 24 hours, recording a minimum temperature of 2.6°C. Other districts also experienced biting cold, with night temperatures plunging sharply below seasonal averages.
Among major urban centres, Ranchi recorded a maximum temperature of 22.0°C and a minimum of 8.2°C, while Jamshedpur registered 24.4°C (maximum) and 8.8°C (minimum). Bokaro witnessed a cold night with the mercury dipping to 5.1°C.
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In Gumla, the minimum temperature fell to 2.8°C, triggering cold wave conditions. The highest maximum temperature in the state was recorded at Chaibasa, where the mercury touched 26.8°C.
No rainfall was reported anywhere in Jharkhand during the last 24 hours. However, visibility dropped to 1,500 metres in Daltonganj, though no official fog conditions were reported.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) confirmed that cold wave conditions prevailed in several areas, including Bokaro, Chaibasa, Gumla, Khunti and Ranchi (Kanke). Most districts recorded negative departures from normal temperatures, indicating a prolonged cold spell.
Weather officials have advised people to remain cautious during early morning and late-night hours, especially the elderly and children, as cold conditions are likely to persist over the next few days.
