The Ranchi Meteorological Office on Friday sounded a high-alert for dense fog across Jharkhand, predicting severe disruptions to daily life and transport systems over the coming days. The weather department has warned residents of significant challenges for railways, airlines, and road commuters.
Districts Under the Fog Blanket
According to the detailed forecast, fourteen districts are expected to be enveloped in thick fog on Saturday. These include Garhwa, Chatra, Palamu, Latehar, Lohardaga, Hazaribag, Koderma, Ramgarh, Bokaro, Giridih, Dhanbad, Ranchi, Deoghar, and Jamtara. A similar widespread situation is anticipated across all these districts on Sunday as well.
By Monday, the intensity is predicted to slightly recede, with dense fog likely at isolated places over the north-western and north-central parts of the state. The eight districts expected to be affected on Monday are Garhwa, Chatra, Palamu, Latehar, Hazaribag, Koderma, Giridih, and Deoghar.
Scientific Explanation and Direct Impact
Scientist and Deputy Director of the Ranchi Met Office, Abhishek Anand, explained the phenomenon. He stated that advection fog, which forms when warm, moist air moves over a colder surface, is currently active in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar. This fog is now descending towards north Jharkhand and is expected to push further south over the next three days—Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.
"People will have to take adequate precautions if they have to travel in early mornings, especially on two-wheelers. The transportation system – road, railways, and air traffic may be affected," Anand cautioned. He highlighted that isolated parts of the state already experienced similar dense fog conditions on Friday morning.
Health Advisories and Precautionary Measures
The weather scientist issued specific health and safety guidelines for vulnerable groups. He advised that people going out for morning walks need to be extremely vigilant. Special care should be accorded to the elderly, children, hospital patients, and individuals with respiratory ailments during this period of poor air quality and visibility.
The meteorological data from the past 24 hours, until 8:30 am on Friday, indicated dry weather over the state. However, dense fog was already recorded at isolated places in the north-western and north-central districts, signaling the onset of the predicted adverse conditions.
Residents across the alerted districts are urged to plan travel carefully, allow for extra commute time, and adhere to all safety advisories issued by local authorities to mitigate the risks posed by the severe fog.
