Patna: Bihar continues to reel under an intense cold wave as icy north-westerly winds blowing in from Jammu and Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh have pushed temperatures sharply downward across the state. The chilling winds, combined with persistent dense fog, have resulted in bone-chilling conditions, with sunlight remaining ineffective even after late mornings. In many areas, thick fog has been lingering till around 10 am, severely affecting visibility and daily routines.
On Thursday, cold wave–like conditions were reported in south-west Bihar, while Patna and 36 districts experienced a cold day. Darbhanga recorded a severe cold day. Due to the continuous flow of cold winds, minimum temperatures in 15 districts dropped below 6 degrees Celsius. Gaya emerged as the coldest city in the state, recording a minimum temperature of just 4.5 degrees Celsius.
The Meteorological Centre has issued a cold day alert for Friday, placing 33 districts under an orange alert and five districts under a yellow alert. Residents in these areas are likely to experience severe chill and prolonged dense fog. According to weather officials, there is little chance of relief over the next three to four days. Even if sunshine appears during the day, the cold winds will continue to cause severe discomfort.
Children Worst Affected, Three Deaths Reported
The severe cold has taken a heavy toll on children. In the last seven days alone, more than 1,000 children have been brought for treatment at major hospitals, including PMCH, IGIMS, NMCH, AIIMS Patna and New Gardiner Road Hospital. Over 400 children required hospitalisation after their condition worsened.
Doctors confirmed that around 20 percent of the affected children are suffering from cold diarrhoea. During treatment, two children died at PMCH and one at IGIMS. Medical experts said children aged between six months and 15 years are the most vulnerable, with cases of cold diarrhoea and pneumonia rising sharply. Common symptoms include vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal pain, phlegm-filled cough, high fever, chills and breathing difficulties.
Schools Closed Across 10 Districts
In view of the extreme cold, district administrations in Patna and Nalanda have ordered the closure of all schools up to Class 8, while Vaishali has shut schools up to Class 10 till January 11. Schools up to Class 8 have been closed till January 10 in Begusarai, Munger, Supaul, Bhojpur and Bhagalpur. In Banka, schools will remain closed till January 12, while in Buxar, schools up to Class 8 will stay shut till January 13.
Weather Outlook for Patna and Other Districts
The cold spell is expected to persist in the state capital as well. The Meteorological Centre said Patna’s minimum temperature is likely to hover between 5 and 7 degrees Celsius over the next few days. Dense fog is expected during morning hours, while light sunshine may appear during the day. However, the cold winds will maintain a strong chill factor.
On Thursday, Gaya recorded a maximum temperature of 19.8 degrees Celsius, while Sheikhpura reported the highest maximum temperature in the state at 20.8 degrees Celsius. Patna recorded a maximum temperature of 14.9 degrees Celsius and a minimum of 9.1 degrees Celsius. Weather experts noted that Gaya, Vikramganj and Sabour are witnessing cold wave–like conditions, and a formal cold wave alert may be issued for these areas from Friday. Over the past 24 hours, maximum temperatures across several parts of Bihar dropped by 2 to 3 degrees Celsius.
Why the Cold Is Intensifying
Meteorologists attributed the worsening cold to an active western disturbance over north India and continuous snowfall in the Himalayan regions. These conditions are pushing extremely cold north-westerly winds into Bihar. Dense fog during early mornings and late nights is further intensifying the cold.
Air Quality Worsens in Patna
Alongside the cold wave, air pollution levels in Patna have risen sharply. Areas such as Gandhi Maidan, Danapur, Taramandal and the Secretariat recorded a significant spike in AQI levels. On Thursday, AQI stood at 231 near Gandhi Maidan and 229 in Danapur, both falling in the ‘poor’ category. Compared to Wednesday, AQI levels increased by nearly 100 points. Fine particulate matter PM2.5 and PM10 were recorded at more than double the permissible limits, raising health concerns.
How to Protect Children from Cold Diarrhoea
Doctors have advised parents to maintain strict hand hygiene to prevent cold diarrhoea. Infants up to six months should be exclusively breastfed, while timely vaccination can help protect children from pneumonia and other infections. Children above six months should be given nutritious food, including warm soups and porridge. In cases of blocked nose or chest congestion, steam inhalation should be given only after consulting a doctor.
As the cold wave tightens its grip, authorities have urged people to remain cautious, limit exposure to cold conditions, and seek medical help promptly in case of health complications.
