Patna: The onset of winter has officially begun in Bihar, with temperatures dipping across most districts as cold winds sweep down from the snow-covered mountains of North India. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has warned that the chill will intensify over the next few days, with both day and night temperatures expected to fall further.
According to the IMD, temperatures dropped by two to three degrees Celsius across the state on Friday, with northwesterly winds carrying the effects of Himalayan snowfall into the plains. Even though sunshine persisted in cities such as Patna, Gaya, Bhagalpur, Darbhanga, and Chhapra, the crisp air and cool breeze forced people to reach for sweaters and mufflers.
Friday night marked the coldest night of the season so far, with Jiradei in Siwan district recording the lowest minimum temperature at 16.4°C. Meteorologists said that southern Bihar is currently colder than northern regions, with minimum temperatures hovering around 16°C in the south and 20°C in the north.
In its latest forecast, the IMD predicted light fog in the morning, mild sunshine during the day, and westerly winds reaching speeds of up to 40 km/h. Saturday’s maximum temperature is expected to remain between 28°C and 30°C, while the minimum may drop to 16–20°C. Despite clear skies, the warmth of the sun will have little impact due to a thin haze in the atmosphere.
The department also cautioned that the cold will deepen over the next 48 to 72 hours, with fog likely to become denser during early mornings and evenings in many districts. “The northwesterly winds will continue to dominate, pushing temperatures down steadily. This effect will last until mid-November, and by early December, the mercury could fall to around 10°C,” an IMD official said.
Across the state, signs of winter are unmistakable — tea stalls are crowded, and people heading to offices and schools are wrapping up in warm clothes. In Patna, mornings are now marked by fog-laced air and brisk winds, while in Gaya and Darbhanga, residents have pulled out jackets and shawls.
The IMD clarified there is no possibility of rain in the coming days. However, with the snowfall intensifying in the Himalayas, Bihar’s winter chill is expected to deepen further in the weeks ahead.
