Ranchi, Dec 4: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) Ranchi has issued a yellow alert for cold wave conditions in several districts of Jharkhand as winter has started tightening its grip across the state. The IMD has also asked people to follow safety precautions and protect themselves from the rising cold.
The yellow alert has been issued for Garhwa, Palamu, Simdega, Chatra, Latehar, Lohardaga and Gumla. In these districts, cold waves may intensify and disrupt normal life. Experts also warned that the rising cold could have a more serious impact on children, old aged people and ones suffering from illnesses, urging them to take extra care.
Meanwhile, temperatures have also dropped sharply in other parts of Jharkhand. In Gumla, the minimum temperature has slipped below 8°C, while Hazaribagh recorded 9°C and Daltonganj 9.5°C. State capital Ranchi is also witnessing a steady fall in temperature, with the minimum hovering around 11°C after dipping by nearly two degrees in the last three to four days.
Meteorologists predict that temperatures may fall further by 3–4°C by December 6.
In the last 24 hours, some parts of the state also experienced very light rain. Khunti’s Adki area recorded the highest rainfall at 1.0 mm. Khunti reported a minimum temperature of 9.4°C, while Chaibasa saw daytime temperatures rise to 29.4°C.
Due to north-westerly winds, night temperatures are expected to drop further, increasing the overall cold effect in the coming days.
