Ranchi, Nov 17 (PTI) – The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a cold wave alert for seven districts in Jharkhand, with many locations across the state recording temperatures of 10 degrees Celsius or less. Gumla recorded the state's lowest minimum temperature on Monday morning, shivering at 6.6 degrees Celsius.
The IMD has issued a "yellow alert" for Garhwa, Palamu, Chatra, Latehar, Lohardaga, Gumla, and Simdega districts, effective until 8:30 am on Tuesday. This alert advises residents to be aware of the potential for cold wave conditions.
According to the Ranchi Meteorological Centre's Deputy Director, Abhishek Anand, dry weather is prevailing across Jharkhand. He noted that cold wave conditions were reported in isolated locations in the western and central parts of the state over the past 24 hours. Anand anticipates a partial relief from the dipping temperatures starting Tuesday.
Besides Gumla, other districts also experienced a significant drop in minimum temperatures. Lohardaga recorded 7.6 degrees Celsius, Khunti registered 7.8 degrees Celsius, and Latehar reported 8.6 degrees Celsius. Daltonganj saw a minimum temperature of 8.8 degrees Celsius, while Ranchi shivered at 10.2 degrees Celsius, which is 2.9 degrees below the normal temperature for this time of year. Seraikela-Kharswan recorded a minimum temperature of 11.4 degrees Celsius.
The weather office attributed the mercury drop to northwesterly winds. The IMD's bulletin also warned of dense fog in the early morning hours, which may affect visibility and urged people to exercise caution.
The IMD has also advised citizens to stay warm, limit early-morning outdoor activities, and take necessary health precautions. Children, the elderly, and people with respiratory conditions are particularly vulnerable during this period. Residents are advised to wear warm, layered clothing and cover their heads, necks, and feet to protect themselves from the cold.
Across central and western India, several states are expected to experience widespread cold wave conditions over the next few days. The IMD has predicted these conditions for parts of Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Rajasthan from November 17 to 19. Madhya Pradesh is likely to experience the most intense cold wave conditions. Cold wave conditions are also expected in isolated parts of West Rajasthan, Madhya Maharashtra, and Vidarbha on November 17 and 18. East Rajasthan and Chhattisgarh may also experience cold wave conditions from November 17 to 19.
