PINAKI MAJUMDAR
Jamshedpur, Dec 5: Jharkhand is in the grip of an intensifying winter chill, with Gumla recording the lowest minimum temperature of the season at 5.7°C on Friday.
The sharp dip has marked the first severe cold spell of December, prompting the Ranchi Meteorological Centre to issue a cold-wave alert for the state.
According to the IMD, isolated pockets in western and adjoining central Jharkhand are likely to experience cold-wave conditions on December 5, 6 and 7.
Districts such as Gumla, Lohardaga, Latehar, Simdega and parts of Ranchi and Khunti are expected to feel the brunt, with temperatures projected to drop further during early morning hours.
A combination of clear skies, dry north-westerly winds and long night conditions is driving the steep fall in mercury levels across Jharkhand.
Several other districts also recorded minimum temperatures below 10°C, signalling the onset of harsher winter days ahead.
Health officials have urged residents—especially the elderly, children, and those with respiratory issues—to take precautions by wearing adequate warm clothing and avoiding exposure during late-night and early-morning hours.
Farmers have also been advised to protect their crops from frost-like conditions in vulnerable regions.
With the cold wave expected to persist for the next two to three days, Jharkhand braces for an even colder weekend as winter tightens its grip across the state.