Cold weather conditions have tightened their grip on Bihar, causing widespread disruption to daily life. Continuous snowfall in the hilly regions and an active western disturbance are directly impacting the plains. Meteorological conditions indicate that minimum temperatures may drop by two to three degrees Celsius in the coming days. This is expected to intensify the cold further. Weather experts say there is little chance of relief from cold wave conditions over the next four to five days.
Dense Fog and Cold Winds Paralyze Daily Activities
Bihar continues to reel under intense cold, accompanied by dense fog and chilling winds. The cold spell has severely affected public movement across the state. For several days, sunlight has remained elusive, forcing many residents to stay indoors. Since late Friday night, thick fog has enveloped Patna, Arwal, Muzaffarpur, Motihari, West Champaran, and several other districts. Visibility dropped sharply by early morning, making travel extremely difficult.
The situation worsened after sunrise, as fog density increased further. Roads, highways, and railway tracks remained barely visible. Morning commuters faced major inconvenience, while vehicular movement slowed significantly. Many drivers were forced to keep headlights on even during daylight hours.
No Relief from Cold Day Conditions in December
According to the weather department, the remaining days of December are likely to witness continued fog and cold day conditions. The India Meteorological Department has issued a warning for extremely dense fog and cold day situations across Bihar till the morning of December 29. Districts including Patna, Muzaffarpur, Gaya, West Champaran, Kaimur, Kishanganj, and Jamui are expected to remain affected.
Considering the severity of weather conditions, an orange alert has been issued across the state. Authorities have advised people to remain cautious, especially during early morning and late-night hours.
Weather Outlook Till December 31
From the morning of December 29 to December 30, dense fog and cold day conditions are likely to persist in Bhojpur, Buxar, Kaimur, Rohtas, Aurangabad, Arwal, and all districts of North Bihar. However, Patna, Gaya, Jamui, Banka, and around thirteen other districts have not received any specific warning for this period.
Between December 30 and December 31, western Bihar districts may continue to experience dense fog and cold day conditions. Other parts of the state could witness slight improvement in visibility and temperature. Despite this, overall cold conditions are expected to remain severe, especially during night and early morning hours.
Patna Records Lowest Maximum Temperature
Temperature data from the last 24 hours reflects the intensity of the cold wave. Maximum temperatures across Bihar ranged between 14.6 degrees Celsius and 24.1 degrees Celsius. Kishanganj recorded the highest maximum temperature during this period.
Patna emerged as the coldest city in the state on Friday. The maximum temperature in the capital was recorded at just 14.6 degrees Celsius. Muzaffarpur followed closely with a maximum temperature of 15.2 degrees Celsius. Ziradei and Samastipur recorded daytime temperatures of 15.4 degrees Celsius.
The unusually low daytime temperatures have led to cold day conditions in several districts. Experts attribute this to persistent fog cover and lack of sunlight.
Minimum Temperatures Dip Further
Minimum temperatures have also shown a declining trend across the state. Sabour and Aurangabad recorded the lowest minimum temperature at 7.4 degrees Celsius. Several other districts reported minimum temperatures below 10 degrees Celsius.
Valmikinagar, Chhapra, Dehri, Gaya, Jehanabad, Nalanda, Sheikhpura, Bhagalpur, and Agwanpur all witnessed temperatures dipping into single digits. The cold intensified further due to icy northwesterly winds blowing across the region.
Weather officials warned that falling night temperatures could pose health risks, particularly for children, elderly people, and those with respiratory conditions.
Orange Alert Issued in 38 Districts
An orange alert for cold day conditions and dense fog has been issued in 38 districts of Bihar. On Saturday morning, thick fog covered more than twenty cities, including Bhojpur, Bettiah, Bagaha, and Gopalganj. Visibility in many areas dropped close to zero.
The dense fog created hazardous driving conditions on highways and rural roads alike. Traffic moved at a snail’s pace, and several transport services faced delays. Rail and bus operations were also affected in some regions due to poor visibility.
Impact on Public Life and Administration
The severe cold has disrupted normal routines across Bihar. Schools reported reduced attendance, while outdoor workers struggled to continue daily activities. Markets opened late in several towns due to extreme cold and fog.
Local administrations have been instructed to remain alert. District officials are monitoring weather conditions closely and coordinating with disaster management teams. Temporary shelters and night shelters are being prepared in urban areas to protect homeless people from the cold.
Health departments have also been advised to remain vigilant. Hospitals have reported an increase in cold-related ailments, including fever, cough, and respiratory infections.
Advisory for Residents
Authorities have urged residents to take necessary precautions during the ongoing cold wave. People are advised to avoid unnecessary travel during early morning hours. Drivers should use fog lights and maintain safe speeds. Elderly citizens and children are advised to stay indoors as much as possible.
Farmers have also been alerted, as prolonged cold and fog may impact certain crops. Agricultural experts are monitoring conditions and may issue advisories if required.
Bihar continues to face one of its harshest winter phases this season. Persistent fog, cold winds, and dropping temperatures have created challenging conditions for residents. With no immediate relief in sight, authorities and citizens alike are bracing for several more days of intense cold. Weather experts continue to monitor the situation closely, urging caution and preparedness across the state.
