Patna: Bihar remains in the grip of a severe cold wave, with no immediate relief in sight, as forecasters warn that dense fog, falling temperatures and cold day conditions are likely to persist across the state for the next four to seven days.
The India Meteorological Department has issued an orange alert for dense fog in 29 districts, including Patna, and cautioned that minimum temperatures could drop by a further 2 to 4 degrees Celsius, intensifying the chill during both day and night. Sunshine is unlikely in Patna and at least eight other districts for the next five days, officials said.
Several districts are already experiencing dense fog and cold day conditions. Patna has recorded cold days for four consecutive days, with Monday marked by persistent fog and cloud cover and no sunshine throughout the day. Strong westerly winds forced many residents indoors, while the capital also recorded the smallest gap between day and night temperatures in the state.
मौसम #चेतावनी #बिहार #दिन-1 से दिन-7 तक pic.twitter.com/LuZt6uStcX
— Mausam Bihar- IMD Patna (@imd_patna) December 29, 2025
On Monday, Patna’s maximum temperature was 14.7C — about 7.6C below normal — while the minimum stood at 12.6C, leaving a difference of just 2.1C. The lowest minimum temperature in the state was recorded in Rajgir at 6.8C, while Sheikhpura logged the highest maximum temperature at 18.7C.
Meteorologists said cold westerly winds, blowing at speeds of 20 to 30 km/h across much of Bihar, are playing a key role in sustaining the cold wave. Temperatures could fall by another 1 to 2 degrees in the coming days, particularly affecting early mornings and late nights. Visibility in open areas is expected to remain extremely poor, ranging between 50 and 100 metres during peak fog hours.
The weather department has warned that conditions could worsen at the start of the new year, with dense fog, cloud cover and severe cold expected to continue. Moderate to dense fog is likely in parts of north-central, north-west, south-central and south-west Bihar between January 1 and January 3. A gradual improvement, including the return of sunshine, is forecast only after January 3.
The prolonged cold spell has had the greatest impact on children and elderly people. In response, the administration has extended the closure of all government and private schools, Anganwadi centres and coaching institutes up to class eight until January 2. Daytime conditions are being made harsher by persistent westerly winds of 6 to 10 km/h.
Patna outlook
Patna is expected to remain shrouded in dense fog over the next few days, with very low morning visibility and a further drop in minimum temperatures. Cold winds are likely to increase the chill factor, and forecasters say residents should prepare for continued cold day conditions until the western disturbance weakens and wind speeds ease.
Experts say that until the influence of the western disturbance diminishes, Bihar is unlikely to see meaningful relief from the cold.
