Ranchi Schools Resume Classes After Cold Wave Closure
Schools across Ranchi reopened their doors on Thursday. They had remained shut since January 6 due to severe cold wave conditions. The reopening brought a mix of adjusted schedules and regular routines as the city grappled with biting temperatures.
Revised Timings for Student Safety
Several institutions implemented changes to their daily timings. Jawahar Vidya Mandir in Shyamali made specific adjustments. Secondary students, who typically start at 8 am, now begin at 9 am. The elementary section shifted from a 10 am start to 11 am.
School authorities explained these revisions. They emphasized the need to protect student health and safety during the early morning hours. The cold poses significant risks, especially for young children.
Low Attendance in Many Classrooms
Classrooms saw sparse attendance despite the reopening. Niraj Kumar Sinha, Principal of Firayalal Public School, noted the trend. Many students chose to stay home because of the low temperatures and dense morning chill.
This pattern highlighted the ongoing impact of the cold wave on daily life. Parents and students remained cautious about venturing out in such conditions.
IMD Issues Cold Wave Alert for 13 Districts
The India Meteorological Department issued a 'yellow' alert for cold conditions. It covers thirteen districts including Garhwa, Palamu, Chatra, Hazaribag, Latehar, Ramgarh, Bokaro, Lohardaga, Ranchi, Gumla, Khunti, Simdega and West Singhbhum. The alert remains in effect until 8.30 am on Friday.
Gumla district recorded the state's lowest temperature on Thursday. The mercury plunged to 0.8 degrees Celsius. Khunti followed with 2.7 degrees Celsius, and Daltonganj registered 3.7 degrees Celsius.
Temperature Readings Across Jharkhand
Other districts also experienced severe cold. Bokaro recorded a minimum temperature of 4.9 degrees Celsius. Simdega saw 5.2 degrees Celsius, while Lohardaga reached 6.0 degrees Celsius.
Ranchi, the state capital, logged 9 degrees Celsius. Seraikela recorded 6.1 degrees Celsius. These figures underscore the widespread nature of the cold wave.
Weather Patterns and Forecast
The IMD bulletin attributed the cold conditions to specific wind patterns. North-westerly to westerly winds prevail in lower tropospheric levels over Jharkhand. These winds drive the temperature drop.
Abhishek Anand, Deputy Director of the Ranchi Meteorological Centre, provided a forecast. He stated that no significant change in minimum temperatures is likely during the next two days. After that, temperatures may increase by up to 3 degrees Celsius.
Administrative Advisory for Public Safety
The Ranchi administration issued an advisory in response to the cold wave. It urges people to take precautions against health problems caused by the cold. Deputy Commissioner Manjunath Bhajantri emphasized the importance of protection during this period.
His statement highlighted the extreme need for vigilance. Cold-related illnesses can pose serious risks, especially for vulnerable populations.
