Patna: Cold conditions are returning across Bihar, with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) issuing a yellow alert for dense fog in 13 districts on Monday and cautioning residents about reduced visibility during morning hours.
The alert covers Patna, Buxar, Bhojpur, Begusarai, Kaimur, Rohtas, Aurangabad, Gaya, Arwal, Jehanabad, Nalanda, Nawada and Sheikhpura. The IMD has advised motorists to exercise caution, particularly during early hours, as dense fog could significantly affect road visibility.
Meteorologists said weather conditions are likely to shift again after January 20–21, with a fresh intensification of cold expected across the state. North-westerly winds are forecast to strengthen, while the influence of two western disturbances is likely to be felt from the nights of January 19 and 21. As a result, foggy conditions are expected to persist for the next four to five days.
The IMD has warned that minimum temperatures could fall by one to two degrees Celsius, bringing sharper cold during mornings and evenings. While daytime sunshine may offer brief relief, temperature fluctuations are likely to continue, keeping winter conditions firmly in place.
मौसम #चेतावनी #बिहार #दिन-1 से दिन-7 तक pic.twitter.com/EEU8m4gvZ6
— Mausam Bihar- IMD Patna (@imd_patna) January 18, 2026
Over the past 24 hours, minimum temperatures in 10 districts dropped below 8C. Rajgir in Nalanda was the coldest location, recording 5C. Other low readings included 5.5C at Sabour in Bhagalpur, 7.1C at Ziradei in Siwan, 7.6C at Dehri in Rohtas, and 6.2C in Sheikhpura. In total, 21 districts reported minimum temperatures below 10C.
In Patna, temperatures have remained near seasonal averages in recent days, with bright sunshine during afternoons easing the chill temporarily. However, the meteorological department said dense fog and cold conditions would continue in the district, with a further drop in morning and evening temperatures likely to intensify the cold.
Officials said residents should prepare for sustained winter conditions, particularly during early hours and after sunset, as Bihar enters another phase of fog and falling temperatures.
