Patna: Bihar remains in the grip of an intense cold wave and widespread fog, with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) issuing an orange alert for the entire state and warning that conditions are unlikely to ease before December 29.
According to the Patna meteorological centre, continuous snowfall in the Himalayan region and an active western disturbance over north India are driving icy westerly winds into the plains, sharply lowering both day and night temperatures. The result has been a prolonged spell of “cold day” conditions, marked by unusually low daytime temperatures and the near-absence of sunshine.
In its latest bulletin, the IMD said very dense fog is likely at a few places in northern, south-western and south-eastern Bihar on December 25, with dense fog elsewhere. Cold day conditions are expected in parts of north-central and south-eastern districts. On December 26, dense fog is forecast at several locations, along with cold day conditions in pockets of northern and south-eastern Bihar.
From December 27 to 28, both dense fog and cold day conditions are likely to persist at a few places across the state. On December 29 and 30, the focus of severe conditions is expected to shift westward, with dense fog and cold day conditions predicted in western districts and fog continuing in parts of north-central Bihar.
Meteorologists said moderate to dense fog is likely at several locations across Bihar during the next four to five days, particularly during morning hours, potentially reducing visibility and affecting road, rail and air travel. Temperature trends offer little comfort: both maximum and minimum temperatures are expected to remain largely unchanged over the next three to four days, staying below seasonal norms.
🟠 Orange Alert in Bihar: IMD warns of severe cold wave & dense fog across the state
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❄️ No relief till December 29 as icy winds from the Himalayas intensify the chill
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🌫️ Dense to very dense fog likely for the next 4–5 days, visibility badly affected
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🧊 Cold day conditions continue due to lack of sunshine across many districts
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🏙️ Patna minimum temperature dips to 11°C, daytime feels colder than usual
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🌡️ Average minimum temperature in Bihar at 9.4°C in the last 24 hours
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🚗✈️ Road, rail & air traffic disrupted amid foggy mornings and nights
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🔥 People relying on bonfires & warm clothing even during the day
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⛰️ Western Disturbance & snowfall in hills directly impacting Bihar’s weather
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⚠️ IMD says only slight improvement possible after December 30
The impact is already visible on the ground. Bihar has experienced cold day conditions for nearly a week, with residents relying on bonfires and heavy winter clothing even during daylight hours. The average minimum temperature across the state over the past 24 hours stood at 9.4°C, while Patna recorded a low of 11°C. In several districts, daytime temperatures have hovered around 9–10°C, intensifying the chill.
Weather experts say meaningful relief will depend on a shift in wind direction and a weakening of cold air inflow from the hills. Until then, the IMD cautions that severe cold and dense fog will continue to define Bihar’s weather, with only a marginal improvement possible after December 30.
