Cold wave and dense fog grip Jharkhand, flights and trains disrupted

Severe cold conditions coupled with dense fog have tightened their grip across Jharkhand, prompting weather alerts and causing widespread disruption to air and rail services. Visibility in parts of Ranchi dropped to as low as 50 metres on Sunday morning, severely affecting normal life.

The India Meteorological Department said a cold wave accompanied by thick fog is likely to persist, particularly during early morning and late night hours. The department has issued alerts for several districts, advising people to remain cautious.

In Ranchi, fog conditions led to the cancellation of five flights, while several others were delayed by hours. Officials at Birsa Munda Airport said incoming flights from cities such as Kolkata, Delhi and Bengaluru were among the worst affected. Some flights reportedly arrived with delays ranging from over one hour to nearly nine hours due to poor visibility.

Rail traffic was also hit hard. Several long-distance trains reached Ranchi and nearby stations behind schedule, with delays extending up to four hours in some cases. Railway officials said dense fog along multiple sections of the route slowed operations as a safety measure.

According to weather data, night temperatures have dipped sharply across the state. Ranchi recorded a minimum temperature of around 9 degrees Celsius, while colder conditions prevailed in higher-altitude and forested regions. In Kanke, the temperature fell close to 6 degrees Celsius, while Bokaro, Hazaribagh and Latehar also reported chilling conditions.

The IMD warned that fog intensity could remain moderate to dense over the next few days, particularly in central and northern Jharkhand. Similar weather conditions are prevailing across large parts of north India, where cold air and low wind speed are contributing to persistent fog.

Health officials have advised people, especially children and the elderly, to take precautions against exposure to cold. Traffic police have also urged motorists to drive slowly and use fog lights during early morning hours.

With winter intensifying, authorities remain on alert as cold wave conditions and fog continue to affect transport, visibility and daily routines across Jharkhand.