PINAKI MAJUMDAR
Jamshedpur, Jan 10: A sharp winter chill has tightened its grip across Jharkhand, with the latest India Meteorological Department (IMD), Ranchi report showing significantly below-normal temperatures in most districts, signalling an intense cold wave phase.
Temperatures Dip Across State
According to IMD observations recorded at 8.30 am, both day and night temperatures have fallen well below seasonal averages.
The state capital, Ranchi, recorded a maximum of 20.4°C, which is 3.1°C below normal, while the minimum dropped to 6.4°C, around 2.7°C below normal.
Jamshedpur remained comparatively warmer during the day at 24.0°C, but its minimum temperature fell to 8.0°C, reflecting widespread cold across Kolhan and adjoining regions. Bokaro and Daltonganj recorded minimum temperatures of 6.1°C and 3.5°C, respectively.
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Khunti Records Lowest Temperature
Khunti emerged as the coldest place in Jharkhand, recording a bone-chilling 1.4°C, the lowest minimum temperature in the state.
Other districts also witnessed near-freezing conditions, including Gumla (1.5°C), Hazaribagh (3.7°C), Garhwa (3.7°C) and Jagannathpur (3.4°C), confirming the spread of cold wave conditions across central and western Jharkhand.
Fog Hits Visibility, No Rainfall
No rainfall was recorded anywhere in the state during the past 24 hours. However, fog affected visibility, with Deoghar reporting the lowest visibility of 800 metres, disrupting early-morning movement in parts of the Santhal Pargana region.
Day Temperatures Remain Low
Daytime temperatures also struggled to rise. Chaibasa recorded the highest maximum temperature in the state at 26.8°C, while several districts such as Ranchi (19.2°C), Hazaribagh (19.3°C) and Latehar (15.4°C) experienced unusually cool daytime conditions.
Cold Wave to Persist
Meteorologists said clear skies, dry north-westerly winds and lack of cloud cover are allowing night temperatures to fall rapidly, intensifying the cold wave across Jharkhand.
Residents have been advised to take precautions, particularly elderly people, children and those exposed to early-morning and night-time cold.
Jharkhand, known for its generally moderate winters, is currently witnessing one of the coldest phases of the season, with biting cold affecting areas from Ranchi to Kolhan and Palamu to Santhal Pargana.