A couple caught in the shower on Wednesday. Picture by Bhola Prasad

Jamshedpur, Feb. 17: Shelve your woollens, it’s farewell winter. The Patna Meteorological Office today declared the official exit of the season of chill as the minimum temperature soared above the crucial 13°C mark.

“In weather parlance, winter exists if the minimum temperature stays below 13°C. In most districts of Jharkhand, it has already crossed that mark. A detailed analysis has revealed that there is no possibility of a fresh dip,” said Animesh Chanda, director, Patna Met office.

So, winter is officially over. This time, it has made an early retreat. “The season usually lingers on till February-end,” he added, pointing out that the nature of winds was already heralding spring.

Jharkhand, according to Chanda, is in the grip of a strong pressure gradient, which brings dry winds at a speed of 30-40kmph. The condition has been prevailing since yesterday evening.

“The gradient is caused due to frequent fluctuation in wind pattern and heating of the lower level of atmosphere,” he explained.

This, he said, was also responsible for showers witnessed in several places, including Ranchi, Daltonganj and Jamshedpur, in the past 24 hours. While the capital recorded 10.5mm rainfall yesterday, Daltonganj received 2.4mm. The local meteorological office today recorded 4mm in the steel city. Adjoining Chaibasa, Seraikela, Chandil and Ghatshila recorded 3mm.

“A cyclonic circulation is hovering in the upper level of the atmosphere. This may result in more showers in the next 24 hours,” said P.D. Sen, the in-charge of local Met office.

Statistics reveal that last year, winter had lasted till the end of February. The minimum temperature during this time had hovered between 11°C and 13°C.

This year, however, the minimum temperature is 4-5 degrees above normal. Ranchi today recorded a minimum of 17°C, Daltonganj, 17.6°C and Jamshedpur 19.6°C.