The cold wave in Bihar is showing no signs of relief, with the state expected to continue experiencing harsh winter conditions. According to the latest weather reports, dense fog and cold day conditions are predicted to persist for the next five days, bringing increased discomfort to the people of the region. The situation is likely to worsen in the coming days as temperatures continue to dip, affecting daily life across various districts.
Dense Fog and Cold Day Alerts in Bihar
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a cold day alert for most parts of Bihar, including the capital, Patna, and surrounding districts. The forecast warns of severe cold conditions due to the drop in temperature, with the possibility of several regions experiencing “cold day” (cold wave) conditions. The IMD predicts that areas such as Eastern and Western Champaran, Gopalganj, Siwan, Saran, Vaishali, Samastipur, Darbhanga, Muzaffarpur, Shivhar, Madhubani, and Sitamarhi will witness extremely dense fog during the next few days, resulting in reduced visibility and colder conditions.
Current Temperature Trends and Impact
On Monday, Patna recorded a maximum temperature of 18.9°C, while Buxar experienced the highest temperature in the state at 20.0°C. However, other parts of Bihar saw a slight increase in their maximum temperatures. Notable areas like Chapra, Darbhanga, Madhubani, Supaul, Farbisganj, Kishanganj, Purnia, Katihar, and Sheikhpura reported an increase in maximum temperatures, although these were still relatively low. On the other hand, Patna recorded a minimum temperature of 12.5°C, while Rajgir in the state registered the lowest minimum temperature of 6.6°C.
In terms of visibility, Gaya reported the lowest visibility at just 50 meters, causing further challenges for commuters. Several districts, including Dehri, Sheikhpura, Arwal, and Jehanabad, recorded minimum temperatures below 10°C, contributing to a significant chill in the air.
Effect of Cold Wave on Daily Life
Despite the sun making an appearance after several days, the cold continued to grip the region. The people of Bihar experienced a prolonged period of discomfort, especially during the morning and night hours, due to the persistent chill. The cold wave has impacted daily routines, particularly for the elderly and children. Moreover, the dense fog has been reducing visibility on the roads, causing delays in travel and increasing the risk of accidents.
The cold conditions are expected to continue for the next few days, with minimal chances of respite. As per the weather department, the cold weather will not see any major change in the coming week. The impact of La Niña is also expected to result in an extended cold season, which could see temperatures remaining lower than usual for this time of year.
Forecast for the Coming Week and the Influence of La Niña
The meteorological department has indicated that there will be no significant change in the weather pattern over the next few days. By the end of January, the state is likely to continue experiencing fluctuating weather conditions, with a continued dip in temperatures and occasional bursts of sunshine. La Niña, a climatic event that affects the weather patterns across the globe, is expected to cause an increase in the number of cold days this winter. The ongoing cold conditions, combined with the fog, will create a challenging environment for residents, especially in rural and semi-urban areas, where the infrastructure to deal with such extreme weather may not be as advanced.
Key Temperature Readings in Major Cities
The weather department’s report also provides a snapshot of the current temperatures in various cities across Bihar. In Bhagalpur, the maximum temperature reached 17.3°C, with a minimum of 13.9°C. Patna, the capital city, recorded a maximum of 16.8°C and a minimum of 12.5°C. Gaya saw a maximum of 16.6°C and a notably low minimum temperature of 8.0°C. Muzaffarpur recorded a maximum of 15.4°C, while the minimum temperature was 13.6°C.
In conclusion, the ongoing cold wave and dense fog in Bihar are set to continue for at least the next five days. The impact of La Niña and the predicted cold day conditions are expected to keep temperatures lower than usual, leading to continued discomfort for the residents of the state. The situation calls for heightened awareness and precautions to ensure safety, especially while traveling during the foggy hours. The weather department’s alert should be taken seriously, and people are advised to stay warm and avoid unnecessary travel in areas with poor visibility. As the winter progresses, it is essential to stay updated with the latest weather information and follow safety guidelines issued by local authorities.
