Jharkhand Shivers Under Severe Cold Wave: Lohardaga Records 3.4°C, McCluskieganj Hits 4°C

Jharkhand is currently grappling with a harsh cold wave, with residents feeling the chill despite clear skies. The morning chill intensifies as evening approaches, causing widespread discomfort across the state. The Meteorological Department has issued a warning of a further 2–3°C drop in temperatures over the next 48 hours.

The coldest districts recorded include Lohardaga at 3.4°C, McCluskieganj at 4.0°C, Gumla at 4.1°C, and Kanke (Ranchi) at 5.2°C. Other districts like Palamu, Chatra, Koderma, and Hazaribagh are also facing severe cold conditions. Locals described the frigid temperatures in McCluskieganj and Kanke as “near freezing.”

Dense morning fog disrupted visibility, reducing it to 50–200 meters in several areas. This severely impacted air travel at Birsa Munda Airport, Ranchi, resulting in the cancellation of three Air India Express flights to Bengaluru, Mumbai, and Delhi. Several other flights were delayed by 4–4.5 hours, causing inconvenience to passengers.

In view of the extreme weather, the state government has ordered schools to remain closed until January 8, while pre-board examinations will continue as per school management decisions, keeping student safety in mind.

Authorities have advised children and the elderly to avoid venturing out in the extreme cold, as northern and western parts of Jharkhand are expected to remain shrouded in dense fog for the coming days.

Minimum Temperature Record (°C):

• Lohardaga: 3.4°C
• McCluskieganj: 4.0°C
• Gumla: 4.1°C
• Latehar: 5.6°C
• Ranchi: 6.4°C