Patna: December’s winter chill has intensified sharply across Bihar, prompting the India Meteorological Department (IMD) to issue a dense fog and cold wave alert for large parts of the state, with conditions likely to disrupt daily life until December 22.
The IMD has warned of dense to very dense fog in around 20 districts, particularly in north and west Bihar, where visibility during night-time and early morning hours is expected to remain extremely poor. In some areas, officials said, visibility could fall to as low as 50 metres, posing risks to road and rail traffic.
Districts likely to be most affected include West Champaran, East Champaran, Sitamarhi, Muzaffarpur, Gopalganj, Darbhanga, Vaishali, Gaya and Bhagalpur, where fog is expected to linger well into the morning.
In Patna, the capital, residents are experiencing a persistent chill as maximum temperatures remain below seasonal averages while minimum temperatures have edged up slightly, preventing any daytime relief. A thick layer of fog has frequently obscured the sun, adding to the wintry gloom.
More than half of the state has been shrouded in fog in recent days. In places such as Gaya, Bhagalpur and Sabour, night-time temperatures have dipped below 10°C, intensifying the cold.
Meteorologists attribute the conditions to westerly winds, high surface humidity and low wind speeds, which are allowing moisture to accumulate close to the ground. The IMD said these factors are likely to persist over the next few days, with the greatest impact expected on morning traffic and visibility.
कोहरा पूर्वानुमान (19 दिसंबर 2025 )
Fog Forecast (19 December 2025 )@officecmbihar @BiharDMD @BsdmaBihar @Agribih @WRD_bihar @BiharPlanning @bihar_police @IPRDBihar @airnews_patna @BiharTransport @Biharfire112 @BiharEducation_ @MWRD_Bihar #Bihar #Fog #Forecast pic.twitter.com/ZVGnL0JVqS— Bihar Mausam Sewa Kendra (@BiharMausam) December 19, 2025
Authorities have advised commuters to exercise caution, particularly during early hours, as the winter spell shows little sign of easing in the immediate term.
