Bad Weather Grounds Union Agriculture Minister’s Helicopter, Bihar Braces for Rain and Cold

Patna: Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan was unable to fly to Bhagalpur on Friday as poor weather conditions prevented his helicopter from taking off from Patna. The minister, who was scheduled to visit Bhagalpur ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s arrival on January 24, had to wait in Samastipur for clearance. However, landing permission in Bhagalpur was denied due to adverse weather.

Shivraj eventually returned to Patna and then flew back to Delhi.

Cold Wave Continues Across Bihar

The weather in Bihar remains severe, with no relief from the cold wave expected over the next two days. Meteorologists have predicted a drop in minimum temperatures by 2 to 3 degrees Celsius. Additionally, a rain alert has been issued for January 27.

The Bihar government has announced the closure of schools up to Class 8 in ten districts until January 25 due to the cold. Schools in Patna, Gopalganj, Motihari, Saharsa, Chhapra, Araria, Madhepura, Supaul, Katihar, and Madhubani—both private and government-run—will remain closed. With Republic Day and Sunday following, schools are set to reopen on January 27.

Weather Forecast for January 27

A meteorologist explained the current weather dynamics: “A western disturbance in the form of a cyclonic circulation is present over northern Pakistan and adjoining areas, while another cyclonic circulation persists over southwestern Madhya Pradesh. This may lead to a slight increase in maximum temperatures, but a drop in minimum temperatures will continue to amplify the cold.”

Rainfall on January 27 is likely to exacerbate the wintry conditions in the state.