IMD's Ranchi Meteorological Centre issued a forecast of a drop in minimum readings by another one or two degree Celsius in the next 48 hours.

Weathermen said the crisp north-westerly wind will increase the chill in most districts of Jharkhand.

Several areas in Jharkhand, including Jamshedpur, witnessed an abrupt fall in the minimum readings that plunged to around 11 degrees Celsius on Saturday.

Most parts of the state saw clear skies and low humidity levels on Saturday, both conducive to lower mercury readings.

What is better is that similar weather conditions will prevail for at least the next 72 hours before the temperature moves northward due to the return of easterly wind pattern around December 22, which will blow as a result of a cyclonic circulation, said weathermen.

Recording temperatures around two notch below normal, Ranchi on Saturday felt shivers at 11.5 degrees Celsius. On Friday, the capital had recorded a minimum of 12.5 degree Celsius, one notch above normal.

Bokaro on the other hand recorded mercury readings at 10.2 degrees Celsius, two notches below normal.

Daltonganj, too, recorded a minimum temperature of 10.1 degrees on Saturday.

Jamshedpur also witnessed free fall of temperature. The minimum readings plummeted to 11 degrees Celsius from Friday's 13.3 degrees Celsius. Saturday’s minimum reading in steel city was one notch below normal.

The minimum readings plummeted to around 11 degrees Celsius in Dumka, Pakur, Godda and its adjoining areas in Santhal Pargana region today.

"The Celsius is suddenly dropping because of the free flow of northwesterly wind which usually helps in plummeting night readings," said Abhishek Anand, head of Ranchi Meteorological Centre.

Anand said that the cool weather will last for at least another 72 hours due to the dominating northwesterly winds. After that, the wind pattern is expected to change to easterly, which will bring in moisture into the atmosphere, he explained.

The forecast also ruled out possibilities of cloud formation owing to local effects or any system over the Bay of Bengal for at least the next three days.

The Regional Meteorological Centre at Alipore, Calcutta, said northwesterly winds were currently blowing over the state and would continue to dominate for the next three days.