Jharkhand continues to reel under an intense cold wave as icy winds and plunging temperatures disrupt daily life across the state. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a yellow alert for 12 districts, warning that cold conditions are likely to persist at least until December 27.
According to the IMD’s report issued on December 25, minimum temperatures have dropped sharply in several parts of the state, with 12 districts recording night temperatures below 10 degrees Celsius.
The alert covers Garhwa, Palamu, Latehar, Lohardaga, Gumla, Chatra, Koderma, Hazaribagh, Ramgarh, Bokaro, Ranchi and Khunti.
Despite the harsh weather, Christmas celebrations continued with enthusiasm across Jharkhand. Prayer meetings were held in churches, particularly in Ranchi, where areas around major churches witnessed a festive, fair-like atmosphere.
However, the cold wave has taken a toll on public health, with hospitals reporting a rise in patients suffering from cold-related ailments. Demand for warm clothing, blankets and heaters has also surged in markets.
The IMD said the weather remained dry over the past 24 hours, though light to moderate fog was observed at isolated locations. The department has advised people, especially children, the elderly and those with respiratory ailments, to take precautions against prolonged exposure to cold.
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Gumla recorded the lowest minimum temperature in the state at 4.0°C, followed by Khunti at 6.0°C. Other districts witnessing severe cold include Hazaribagh (7.2°C), Pakur (7.6°C), Simdega (7.9°C), Latehar (7.9°C), Deoghar (8.1°C), Daltonganj (8.1°C), Lohardaga (8.2°C), Seraikela (8.8°C), Bokaro (9.5°C) and Chaibasa (9.6°C). These areas have seen the maximum impact of the cold wave on normal life.
The IMD noted that day temperatures showed slight improvement in six districts, offering limited daytime relief. Maximum temperatures were recorded at 27.4°C in Chaibasa, 26.3°C in Simdega, 26.0°C in Jamshedpur, 26.1°C in Daltonganj and Seraikela, and 25.6°C in Khunti. However, barring Jamshedpur, maximum temperatures in major cities including Ranchi and Bokaro remained below 25°C.
Daytime cold conditions were particularly severe in Koderma, Deoghar, Hazaribagh and Latehar, where maximum temperatures dropped below 20°C, intensifying the chill even during daylight hours.
The IMD reiterated its advisory urging residents to stay warm, avoid early morning exposure and follow weather updates closely as the cold wave shows no immediate signs of abating.
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