Manipur has started to experience a cold wave with the mercury plunging to 3.3 degree Celsius in Senapati on Saturday, according reports of climate change cell of the Directorate of Environment, Government of Manipur.
Chilly wind is sweeping Imphal since the last two days after the temperature suddenly drops after low temperature hit both hill and valley districts unlike second week of December last year.
Normally the cold wave arrives in Manipur during December-end and first week of January since the last few years, weather report observers in Imphal said. The minimum temperature in the State has been hovering around 5-8 degree Celsius since the past few days.
The maximum temperature recorded on Saturday was 23 degree Celsius, while the minimum temperature in the State particularly in Imphal, and was recorded 4.6 degree Celsius. As a result, residents in Imphal continue to feel chilly wind since the last two days.
On the other hand, as per the weather report of Regional Meteorological Centre Guwahati of Indian Meteorological Department through its Meteorological Office at Imphal International airport, the minimum temperature recorded on Saturday was 6 degree Celsius.
The temperature has gradually gone down since Thursday (8.2 degree Celsius) and Friday (4.6 degree C), sources in Indian Council of Agricultural Research Manipur centre said.
Severe cold wave conditions also prevailed in hill districts headquarters particularly in Ukhrul and Senapati for the last three-four days. With the sudden fall in temperature, consumption of charcoal is on the rise, according to charcoal traders in the State capital.