The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has also issued a cold wave alert for some regions of Jharkhand, predicting a drastic decrease in temperature over the next two days. The alert is still active between November 10 and November 12 and includes the districts of Palamu, Garhwa, Chatra, Latehar, Gumla, and Lohardaga. The people living in these areas are recommended to prepare against cold mornings, fog and cold winds that bite them and the temperature drops to almost 3°C below the normal temperature.
The IMD attributes this sudden fall in temperature to cold north-westerly winds blowing into the state from northern India. All these winds together with clear night skies are increasing radiative cooling speeds, and this means that the minimum temperatures are dropping at a high rate. A slight drop has already been noted in some districts during the last 24 hours, Palamu and Latehar standing off at about 11°C, and Khunti at a cold 9°C.
According to the predictive work of the meteorologists, the next 48 hours will be marked with more cold conditions, especially in the early morning and late night hours. Besides, there will be a lot of fog in several regions, and this will obscure visibility and hence may impact road transport. The IMD has advised individuals to exercise the requisite measures to be taken, especially during morning travels, as well as to ensure that they do not need to expose themselves outdoors during the coldest hours of the day.
The yellow alert shows that the situation is not escalating, but the citizens must stay alert. According to health professionals, the sudden decline in temperature would cause respiratory and viral diseases, especially in children and the elderly. The government has encouraged individuals to put on proper warm clothing, consume hot fluids and provide livestock with sufficient shelter during the cold season.
According to local reports, the chill is already being experienced in day-to-day life. In Ranchi and Daltonganj, there were fewer crowds in the morning markets, and the population preferred to spend more time at home. Schools are also requested to keep an eye on the morning gatherings in order to make sure that students are not exposed to the cold.
The IMD forecasts that the cold wave will dissipate slowly after November 12 because the wind patterns will be stabilized and daytime temperatures will slightly increase. But the officials warn that Jharkhand may experience periodic cold waves as winter penetrates in the next few weeks.
The local weather bulletins are highly recommended, and people are urged to remain updated, to uphold precaution measures in order to remain safe and warm during this short but intense cold spell that has hit Jharkhand.
