Residents of Jharkhand are braving a severe cold spell this Christmas, with half of the state's districts expected to experience a cold wave on Thursday and Friday. The festive cheer is being challenged by plummeting temperatures and reduced visibility due to fog, according to the latest weather warnings.
IMD Sounds the Alarm: Yellow Alert Issued
The Ranchi office of the India Meteorological Department (IMD) took action on Wednesday, issuing a yellow alert for 12 districts across the north-western and central regions of Jharkhand. The warning specifically highlights a cold wave situation anticipated for Thursday and Friday.
The districts under alert are:
- Garhwa
- Palamu
- Chatra
- Koderma
- Hazaribag
- Latehar
- Lohardaga
- Gumla
- Ranchi
- Ramgarh
- Bokaro
- Khunti
Scientists predict that the minimum temperature across the state will likely dip by 2-3 degrees Celsius over a three-day period starting from Thursday.
Temperature Tumbles Across the State
The cold wave has already made its presence felt. On Wednesday, Gumla district recorded the lowest minimum temperature at a biting 3.9°C, officially entering cold wave conditions. Other parts of the state saw significant drops as well.
Key recordings from Wednesday include:
- Ranchi: Minimum temperature of 8.5°C, which is 0.8°C below normal.
- Daltonganj: Recorded 6.1°C, a substantial dip of 3.1°C from the norm.
- Bokaro: Saw a minimum of 8.2°C, marking a sharp decline of 3.6°C.
IMD scientist Abhishek Anand provided further insight, stating that districts adjoining Bihar are likely to witness dense fog on Thursday. "The other parts of the state will witness a dip in minimum temperatures during the early morning hours," he said.
Festive Spirit Defies the Chill
Despite the harsh weather, the Christmas spirit remains undimmed in Ranchi and throughout Jharkhand. Churches and public spaces are adorned with beautiful decorations, and markets are buzzing with activity. A large number of people are wrapping up in warm clothes and flocking to shopping areas to buy essentials and festive delicacies, showcasing a determined celebration of the season.
Authorities are urging caution. Scientist Abhishek Anand advised, "People must adopt safety measures as they venture out of their homes for celebration. They must cover themselves with warm clothes so that their bodies remain warm." He offered a sliver of hope for the near future, adding that after two or three days, the minimum temperature is likely to rise, bringing some relief from the intense cold.
The combination of shallow to moderate fog and the significant drop in night-time temperatures is expected to add to the winter discomfort, especially for early-morning revellers. Residents are advised to stay updated with weather forecasts and take necessary precautions to stay healthy and warm during this festive yet frigid period.
