As winter sets in, Bihar is experiencing intense cold waves, with dense fog affecting several regions. The weather department has issued an orange alert for the next few days, as both fog and severe cold conditions are expected to persist. From Monday to Wednesday, heavy fog is likely to dominate in some parts of North Bihar, and from Wednesday to Friday, fog is expected to blanket several other districts across the state. This situation is likely to worsen, and people in affected regions are advised to take necessary precautions.
Cold Wave to Continue in Bihar
The cold wave in Bihar is becoming more severe, with people struggling to cope with the icy winds and dense fog. The state’s residents are likely to remain under the grip of cold weather until January 2. Sunday saw the first signs of a cold day, with temperatures in several districts of the state falling to near-freezing levels, particularly in the western and central regions. The ongoing cold conditions have affected daily life, causing inconvenience for people, especially in rural areas where winter-related issues tend to be more severe.
Fog in North Bihar and Low Visibility Across the State
On Sunday morning, dense fog was reported in many districts, making visibility extremely low. This resulted in a severe chill, which worsened the situation, as residents struggled to get through the day. The cold wave, combined with low visibility due to fog, has made it difficult for people to go about their daily activities. Officials expect the situation to remain the same for the next few days. On Monday and Tuesday, some areas of North Bihar will continue to witness thick fog, which will gradually spread to other parts of the state between Wednesday and Friday. According to the meteorological department, there will be no significant changes in the maximum and minimum temperatures during this period.
Mujafarpur Experiences Bitter Cold
Mujafarpur district has been particularly affected by the cold conditions. The combination of biting winds and falling temperatures has resulted in a significant drop in temperature. On Saturday, the maximum temperature dropped by 1.5 degrees Celsius, reaching 13.9°C. The western winds, which have been blowing at a high speed, have exacerbated the chill, making it difficult for people to stay outside for extended periods. The weather department has predicted that similar cold conditions will persist on Sunday.
Forecast for the Coming Days
Dr. A. Sattar, a senior scientist at the Rural Meteorological Centre in Pusa, has noted that the jet stream effect is still in play in the region. This means the cold winds from the Himalayas will continue to affect the district, causing temperatures to dip further. Additionally, there are predictions of moderate fog in the coming days, with the temperature possibly dropping by another degree. The maximum temperature may fall below 10°C in the coming days, intensifying the cold wave in the region.
Fog and Haze Persist Throughout Saturday
The state woke up to a foggy Saturday, with visibility severely limited between 5 and 7 a.m. The haze persisted throughout the day, although there was a brief appearance of weak sunlight around noon. The fog and cold temperatures are affecting daily life across Bihar, with residents braving harsh conditions to go about their work. The persistent cold winds are keeping people indoors, and even those who have to venture out are feeling the discomfort. The cold front is so intense that even the warm sunlight during the day couldn’t offer much relief.
Impact on Minimum Temperatures and Cold Day Alerts
On Saturday, the minimum temperatures in several cities across Bihar saw a slight increase due to the continuing cold front. However, people in areas like Patna and Gaya have not felt much relief, as the chilly winds persist. In places like Motihari, Chapra, and Arwal, temperatures have dropped, and several cities have reported minimum temperatures falling below 10°C. On Sunday, the minimum temperature in most districts ranged from 5.2°C to 13.3°C, with Gaya recording the lowest temperature of 5.2°C. In Chapra, conditions remained cold due to the cold day effect. The visibility in many areas dropped to 50 meters or lower, making it difficult for drivers and pedestrians.
Patna: A Struggle Against the Cold
In Patna, the difference between daytime and nighttime temperatures was only 2.7°C on Saturday, which made it feel particularly cold during the day. This created discomfort for people who were not prepared for such low temperatures. However, temperatures did rise slightly compared to Friday, with the minimum temperature increasing by 2.1°C and the maximum by 0.2°C. The cold winds, blowing at 11 kilometers per hour, continued to affect the capital. Visibility in Patna dropped to 400 meters during the day.
The maximum temperature in Patna on Saturday was recorded at 14.8°C, with a minimum of 12.1°C. The weather department has issued a warning for thick fog during the morning hours in Patna on Sunday, advising residents to be cautious when traveling. The ongoing cold wave and foggy conditions are expected to cause major disruptions, and people are urged to stay indoors unless absolutely necessary.
The cold wave and fog will likely persist in Bihar for the next few days. The state is under an orange alert, with authorities urging people to take precautions to avoid health issues caused by the extreme weather. While there will be no significant changes in the temperatures in the next few days, some respite is expected only after January 2. In the meantime, residents across the state will continue to deal with the harsh conditions, which are affecting both daily life and the economy.
