A cold wave is devastating the state of Jharkhand, with the temperature dropping in various parts of the state. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has given a Yellow Alert on seven districts, Garhwa, Palamu, Chatra, Latehar, Lohardaga, Gumli, and Simdega, advising the people to be prepared to face extreme cold weather in the next 24-48 hours. This warning follows a large and abrupt decrease in minimum temperatures, with lots of regions registering the coldest night of the season.
Gumla recorded the biggest drop of 6.6°C as the safest place in the state. Other areas like Bokaro, Daltonganj, Hazaribagh also experienced a decline in temperature between 5°C to 7°C in one day, which has been a concern about the safety of the population. Meteorologists explain such a radical decrease by the powerful north-westerly winds and clear skies that enhance heat loss at night and increase the cold wave.
The situation has been worsened by dry weather conditions, which are being experienced in the entire state, as indicated by IMD officials. The lack of cloud cover has been the reason why temperatures drop quickly once the sun sets. Early mornings and late evenings are extremely difficult in the area due to the cold winds that blow all over the place.
Local governments have also encouraged people to exercise precaution, particularly the elderly, children and individuals with respiratory or chronic health conditions. Hospitals have been cautioned to be vigilant to cold exposure cases, such as hypothermia and breathing difficulties. Some district governments have set up temporary shelters and are supplying blankets to the vulnerable sections, which include the daily wage labourers and homeless people.
There have also been problems of visibility in some districts due to early morning mist and fog, which have also affected road traffic and slowed down the transportation services. The farmers, especially those in the plateau and hilly areas, have the fear of the possible destruction of vegetables and standing crops in case the cold wave continues.
Although the conditions are still cold, the IMD has reported that the minimum temperatures might increase by a slow 3-4°C in the coming days due to the entry of moisture-laden easterly winds in the area. Officials, however, warn that the chill may not vanish instantly, and the people should remain in touch with weather warnings.
As winter comes early this season and both the government and the people are on their guard, Jharkhand waits as the cold days approach.
