Patna: After several days of minimum temperatures dipping below 10°C, Bihar saw a slight rise in mercury on Wednesday as westerly winds weakened. But the relief proved short-lived: dense fog blanketed large parts of the state, and hospitals from Patna to Gaya reported a steep rise in patients with heart and respiratory complications.
According to hospital data, cases have increased by nearly one and a half times as cold winds combine with deteriorating air quality, creating what doctors describe as “worrying conditions” for vulnerable groups.
Marginal rise in night temperatures, no major change ahead
The IMD said minimum temperatures are likely to rise by 1–3°C over the next 24 hours in most parts of the state, with no significant change expected thereafter. Maximum temperatures are also expected to remain steady over the next three to four days.
In the last 24 hours, maximum temperatures ranged between 25.5°C and 31.4°C, while minimums varied from 12.2°C to 19.6°C. Eastern Bihar was the only region where temperatures remained largely unchanged.
Purnia recorded the state’s highest maximum temperature at 30.8°C, while Aurangabad logged the lowest minimum at 12.2°C.
Dense fog disrupts visibility
Fog was widespread on Wednesday morning, with Gaya reporting the worst visibility at just 600 metres. Patna, too, woke up to sharply reduced visibility and heavy dew accumulation across rural fields.
Westerly winds of up to 25 km/h are expected to persist on Thursday, keeping conditions dry. Daytime temperatures are likely to stay between 26–32°C, while night temperatures may hover between 12–18°C.
South Bihar districts—including Gaya, Nawada, and Aurangabad—will continue to experience the harshest mix of fog and cold.
Weather change possible after November 22
The IMD has cautioned that a low-pressure area may form over the southeast Bay of Bengal around November 22. If it intensifies and moves northwest, Bihar could see notable weather changes, though forecasters say it is too early to confirm whether this will bring cloud cover, rainfall, or a fresh drop in temperatures.
Doctors advise caution
With the fog-cold-pollution combination proving hazardous, doctors have urged residents to limit exposure to cold air.
They recommend covering the head, ears and feet when outdoors, maintaining hydration, practising light exercise, and following a balanced diet.
“Even a slight lapse in care can trigger illness in this weather,” a Patna-based physician warned.
