The agency of the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has also issued a yellow alert on a cold wave in seven districts in Jharkhand and predicted a severe decrease in minimum temperatures in the coming days. The alert that is still on till November 15 is applicable to Garhwa, Palamu, Chatra, Latehar, Lohardaga, Gumla, and Simdega districts.
The officials of IMD have reported that the temperature in certain areas of Jharkhand has already started to drop drastically. Gumla has registered a lowest temperature of 7.2 °C, and Lohardaga recorded 9.1 °C, which is a sign that the cold wave conditions have just begun in the area. The temperatures are anticipated to decrease further in the department by 2-3 °C over the next few days, and particularly during the early mornings and late nights.
The yellow alert states that the residents need to be aware and take precautions against the cold. Meteorologists explain this abrupt change in weather as cold north-westerly winds blowing into Jharkhand through the northern plains and central India. These winds, coupled with clear skies, have enhanced the rate at which land surfaces cool down to cause lower night temperatures.
A dense formation of fog in early mornings has also been cautioned by the IMD, and may lower visibility, in addition to disrupting road and rail transport. It has been strongly recommended that commuters should drive slowly and pre-plan their travel.
Health professionals have advised the population to keep warm and not be exposed to cold air very early in the morning, especially to the aged, the children and those with respiratory complications. According to Dr. R. Singh, a physician based in Ranchi, sudden changes in the temperature may lead to asthma, cold, and flu-like symptoms and, therefore, layered clothes or good nutrition are essential.
A cold wave is likely to affect agriculture and livestock, too. It has been suggested that farmers should cover the seedlings, irrigate in the evening, and keep the animals covered at night. The advisories given by the state agricultural department advise taking precautions with the delicate crops and vegetables.
The winter has come too early this year, and most people have been caught unawares, and the temperatures would normally begin to drop drastically only towards the end of November. According to the IMD officials, these early cold spells may be a clue to changing climatic patterns, which are caused by wind direction change and decreased humidity in the air.
The citizens of the affected areas have been encouraged to check the weather alerts on a regular basis on the IMD portal (mausam.imd.gov.in) and adhere to safety guidelines. The authorities have been requested to remain vigilant and be ready to support the vulnerable communities during the cold wave season.
