Patna: Bihar is experiencing an intense cold wave as the impact of snowfall in the Himalayan region begins to show clearly across the Indo-Gangetic plains, prompting the India Meteorological Department (IMD) to issue an orange alert for 23 districts in the state.
Several parts of Bihar, including Patna, Samastipur, Bhagalpur, Darbhanga, and Begusarai, have been gripped by biting cold and dense fog, particularly during the early morning and evening hours. Residents have reported a sharp drop in temperatures, with conditions becoming increasingly harsh over the past few days.
According to weather data, Samastipur recorded a minimum temperature of 3.9°C, one of the lowest in the state. In Patna, the mercury dropped to around 9°C in the early hours, while Bhagalpur’s Sabour area registered a minimum of 4.6°C, significantly below the seasonal average.
The IMD has warned that minimum temperatures across Bihar could fall by a further 4°C over the next four days, intensifying the cold wave conditions. Alongside the drop in temperatures, dense fog has severely reduced visibility in many areas.
Over the past 24 hours, thick fog was reported in around 10 districts, including Patna, Darbhanga, and Begusarai, with visibility in some locations falling close to zero. The poor visibility has disrupted road and rail traffic, adding to the difficulties faced by commuters.
The weather office has indicated that fog conditions are likely to worsen from January 8, while cold wave conditions may persist until at least January 14. Authorities have warned that the prolonged spell of extreme cold could have a significant impact on daily life, particularly for children and the elderly.
As a precautionary measure, district administrations in Begusarai and Bhojpur have announced the closure of schools until January 8. Officials said further decisions would be taken based on weather conditions in the coming days.
The IMD has advised residents to remain cautious, limit exposure to cold during early morning and night hours, and follow advisories issued by local authorities as Bihar prepares for an extended period of severe winter weather.
