Patna: Cold conditions in Bihar continue to intensify, with the Meteorological Department indicating that there is little chance of relief before January 14. Temperatures across several districts, including Patna, are likely to drop further by 1 to 2 degrees Celsius in the coming days.
In view of the worsening situation, the weather department on Tuesday issued an orange alert for cold day conditions in 30 districts of the state. Officials have also warned that weather conditions may deteriorate further from January 8, with dense fog and harsher cold expected to grip large parts of Bihar.
Dense fog was reported early Tuesday morning in at least 10 districts, including Patna, Begusarai and Darbhanga, reducing visibility to near zero in several areas. Gaya recorded a minimum temperature of 5.5 degrees Celsius, one of the lowest in the state. While light sunshine may be visible in some cities over the next two days, meteorologists said the cold spell is expected to intensify again after January 8.
Meanwhile, an unusual incident linked to the cold weather was reported from Bettiah. A large vulture was found grounded in Sansaraiya village of Nautan block on Monday. According to villagers, the bird appeared extremely weak and sluggish due to the cold and was unable to fly despite repeated attempts. Eyewitnesses said the vulture was seen flying before it suddenly descended and sat on the ground. A forest department team later took the bird into custody, stating that it was old and unwell, and that the cold had affected its ability to fly.
Cold and Fog to Persist for Next 5–7 Days
Weather scientists have predicted that the impact of cold waves and dense fog will continue across Bihar for the next five to seven days. No major change in weather conditions is expected until January 9. While there may be minor fluctuations in minimum temperatures, overall relief from the biting cold appears unlikely.
Dense fog is expected to persist during morning hours, while cold winds may remain active during the day, keeping temperatures below normal levels.
Why Is Bihar Experiencing Such Severe Cold?
According to weather experts, the intensified cold is due to an active western disturbance in North India, the inflow of cold north-westerly winds, and reduced wind speed. Clear night skies are causing rapid temperature drops, while weak daytime sunshine is leading to cold day conditions. High moisture levels and low visibility are also contributing to the persistence of dense fog.
Today’s Weather in Patna
In the state capital Patna, the weather is expected to remain generally stable but cold. Light to moderate fog may prevail during the morning hours, and cold winds during the day are likely to keep temperatures below normal. The minimum temperature in Patna is expected to hover between 8 and 10 degrees Celsius.
