Patna: Bihar is witnessing a sharp and early onset of winter, with a noticeable dip in temperatures across the state even as the focus remains on election results. From Patna to Gaya and Rohtas, mornings have turned markedly colder, and the chill is expected to intensify over the next 72 hours.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) recorded Patna’s minimum temperature at 15.7°C and the maximum at 27.7°C, signalling the dominance of northwesterly winds sweeping into Bihar. In several districts, night temperatures have already dropped to around 11°C. Meteorologists attribute the sudden cold to snowfall in Jammu and Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh, whose effects are now being felt in the plains.
The IMD has warned that 15 districts — including Patna, Gaya, Rohtas, Bhojpur, Kaimur, Buxar, Aurangabad, Arwal, Jehanabad, Nalanda, Nawada, Gopalganj, Siwan and Saran — are likely to witness a further dip in temperatures over the next two to three days. Winds are expected to reach speeds of up to 30 kmph, pulling down night temperatures by another 1-2°C. In some areas, temperatures may fall to 8-9°C, with experts cautioning that the cold currently being felt is “just the beginning.”
Fog is also forecast to intensify. Morning visibility in the Gangetic plains and parts of North Bihar may drop to 50 metres, potentially affecting road and rail traffic. Meteorologists have also flagged deteriorating air quality as dust and pollutants settle near the ground.
Daytime temperatures in southern Bihar are expected to remain between 26-28°C, while northern and northwestern districts may see highs of 28-30°C. Night temperatures in south-central and southwestern districts are likely to stay between 11-14°C, dipping slightly lower in northern parts of the state.
In Patna, the mercury continues to hover below normal. Despite clear sunshine during the day, the dry air prevents warmth from lingering, and evenings turn sharply cold soon after sunset.
The state is expected to remain dry over the next week, with no rain in the forecast. Residents can expect a pattern of mild daytime sun, deepening fog, and increasingly cold nights as winter tightens its grip across Bihar.
