The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an important weather alert for Bihar, signaling a sharp drop in night-time temperatures and dense fog across several districts. After a brief respite from the winter chill, colder conditions are set to return by Sunday. This change comes after a period of relatively warmer weather, which was attributed to a slowdown in westerly winds. However, the IMD has cautioned that this period of warmth will be short-lived as winter conditions are expected to strengthen once again.
Temperature Plunge Across the State
From Sunday onwards, the minimum temperatures in most parts of Bihar will fall by 2–4°C. Several cities in the state could experience temperatures dropping below 10°C during the night. While daytime temperatures are likely to remain stable, the significant drop in nighttime temperatures will mark the return of the cold spell. The day-time highs will be around 26°C to 32°C, but the colder nights will be a stark contrast to the recent mild weather.
Fog Alert Issued for Several Districts
In addition to the temperature drop, the IMD has also issued a fog warning for the coming days. The forecast indicates that light to moderate fog will affect various regions, particularly during the early morning hours. Visibility is expected to decrease significantly, with some areas experiencing dense fog, particularly during the late-night and early-morning hours. The fog is expected to persist over the next 48 hours, with districts including Patna, Gaya, Aurangabad, Bhojpur, Buxar, Nalanda, and parts of East and West Champaran being most affected.
On Saturday morning, large sections of Bihar experienced dense fog, with visibility dropping to as low as 10–20 meters in some locations. While skies are expected to clear up slightly by the afternoon, authorities have advised caution during the early hours when visibility remains poor. Travelers and commuters in the affected areas are urged to stay alert and take necessary precautions.
Dry Weather with Mild Cold Across Bihar
The IMD’s forecast for the coming week indicates that weather conditions will remain mostly dry, with no significant rainfall expected. The westerly winds will continue to blow at speeds of around 20–25 km/h, helping maintain dry weather, but these winds will also contribute to the formation of fog. The humidity levels will remain high, creating the ideal conditions for fog to develop during the early hours of the morning.
Temperatures across the state will show slight variations depending on the region. In South Bihar, daytime temperatures are expected to stay between 26°C and 28°C, while the northern and central parts of the state may experience temperatures slightly higher, ranging from 28°C to 30°C. At night, most districts will experience temperatures between 14°C and 16°C, with the southwest and south-central regions seeing slightly cooler conditions, with temperatures dipping to around 12°C to 14°C.
Air Quality Concerns Due to Fog and Haze
With the persistent fog and haze, experts have raised concerns about the deterioration in air quality. The fog can trap pollutants in the atmosphere, leading to poor air quality, particularly in urban areas. People with respiratory conditions such as asthma are particularly at risk. Medical experts have advised that such individuals should wear protective masks when stepping outdoors, especially during the early morning hours when the fog is densest. Those who are sensitive to air pollution should also limit their outdoor activities to reduce exposure.
Impacts on Daily Life and Travel
The dense fog could also have significant impacts on daily life. Reduced visibility will affect both road and rail travel, with trains and buses possibly experiencing delays. Motorists have been urged to drive cautiously, particularly during the morning hours, and to use fog lights to improve visibility. The fog may also disrupt air traffic, with the possibility of delays at major airports in the region.
Residents of Bihar are advised to stay informed about the weather updates from the IMD and local weather stations. The weather conditions, with the combination of cold temperatures and dense fog, can be dangerous if proper precautions are not taken. Individuals should stay warm during the cold nights and exercise caution while traveling in foggy conditions.
As Bihar braces for another wave of cold weather and dense fog, the IMD’s warnings highlight the need for preparedness. The sharp drop in night-time temperatures and the thick fog could create challenging conditions, particularly for commuters and individuals with respiratory conditions. While the daytime weather will remain relatively stable, the early morning hours will require extra caution. Authorities are closely monitoring the situation, and residents are encouraged to take necessary measures to stay safe during this weather spell.
