RANCHI: A sharp chill gripped Jharkhand on Wednesday as northwest westerly winds swept across the state, intensifying the cold weather throughout the day. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecasted a significant drop in temperatures by 3-4 degrees Celsius over the next few days, promising even colder mornings and nights ahead.
The department warned of light to moderate fog blanketing parts of the state, though skies are expected to clear as the day progresses. Yellow alerts have been issued for Garhwa, Palamu, and Chatra districts on Thursday due to potential dense fog patches. Similar alerts were in place for northwestern regions on Wednesday, with reduced visibility anticipated during early hours.
Over the past 24 hours, the state’s maximum temperature hovered at 30.8°C, while the minimum dipped to 10.3°C. In Ranchi, daytime conditions featured partial cloud cover and persistent chilly breezes, creating a nippy morning atmosphere. Afternoon sunshine brought mild warmth, offering brief respite.
City-wise readings paint a varied picture: Ranchi recorded a high of 26.3°C and low of 13.1°C; Jamshedpur saw 28.7°C/15.0°C; Daltonganj 29.6°C/13.1°C; Bokaro 28.5°C/13.7°C; Chaibasa peaked at 30.8°C with a low of 13.2°C; Khunti 28.1°C/11.5°C; Lohardaga 25.5°C/10.4°C; Latehar 21.7°C/11.9°C; and Saraikela 29.1°C/12.9°C.
Residents are urged to exercise caution during dawn and dusk hours. Vehicle drivers facing dense fog should maintain slow speeds, use fog lights, and follow safety protocols to avoid mishaps. As winter tightens its hold, warmer clothing and vigilance will be key to staying comfortable in Jharkhand’s evolving weather patterns.