Patna: Icy winds sweeping in from the Himalayas have intensified cold conditions across Bihar, triggering bone-chilling weather in large parts of the state. Due to strong north-westerly winds, the minimum temperature in 16 districts has dropped below 7 degrees Celsius, while the Meteorological Centre has issued an orange alert for cold-day conditions and dense fog in 32 districts on Saturday.
According to the weather department, Patna, West and East Champaran, along with several other districts, are likely to witness dense fog during morning and evening hours. Visibility in some areas may drop to around 10 metres, severely affecting road and rail movement. There is little chance of relief from the cold over the next one week, officials said.
On Friday, Chhapra recorded the season’s first cold wave, with the minimum temperature plunging to 5.5 degrees Celsius. Sabour reported a minimum temperature of 5 degrees Celsius, making it one of the coldest places in the state, while Valmikinagar was recorded as the coldest region overall.
Patna also experienced a ‘cold day’ on Friday, as icy winds kept daytime temperatures unusually low. The city recorded a minimum temperature of 9.5 degrees Celsius and a maximum of 15 degrees Celsius, leading to persistent chill throughout the day.
Why temperatures are falling
The India Meteorological Department attributed the severe cold to multiple weather systems, including a cyclone over the Indian Ocean, the active jet stream in the upper atmosphere, and ongoing snowfall in the Himalayan region. These factors are collectively impacting Bihar’s weather pattern, resulting in sharp temperature drops and prolonged cold conditions.
The department said cold-day conditions may persist in many parts of the state over the next three days, while the overall cold spell is expected to continue for at least a week.
Forecast for the coming days
Weather scientists have warned that dense fog is likely to prevail across most parts of Bihar for the next five days, with similar conditions possibly extending up to 10 days. Meteorologist Sanjay Kumar explained that a cold wave is officially declared when the minimum temperature falls 4.5 degrees Celsius below normal.
On Friday, severe cold-day conditions were recorded in Buxar and Munger, while Chhapra, Patna, Forbesganj, Saharsa, Darbhanga and Arwal witnessed cold-day conditions. Sabour recorded the lowest minimum temperature at 5 degrees Celsius.
Patna weather outlook
In the state capital, cold conditions are expected to persist. The weather department has forecast dense fog during early morning and late-night hours over the next two to three days. Minimum temperatures may hover around 6 degrees Celsius, while cold winds during the day are likely to maintain chilly conditions. Limited sunshine could prolong cold-day situations in the city.
Temperatures dip below 7°C in 16 districts
Data from the past 24 hours shows that minimum temperatures in 16 districts fell below 7 degrees Celsius. Banka recorded a low of 5.5 degrees Celsius, the lowest of the season so far. Patna also reported a sharp dip, with the minimum temperature touching 5.9 degrees Celsius.
Latest update
Begusarai witnessed dense fog on Saturday morning, with the minimum temperature recorded at 6 degrees Celsius, further highlighting the widespread impact of the cold wave across Bihar.
