Patna: Cold north-westerly winds in Bihar have weakened, bringing slight relief from the winter chill as bright sunshine pushed up daytime temperatures across the state. However, early mornings and late evenings remain cold, with dense fog affecting visibility in several districts and delaying train services.
Gopalganj and Bagaha witnessed heavy fog in the early hours, forcing commuters to drive with headlights on. Many residents were seen warming themselves around bonfires to escape the biting cold. Similar conditions were reported from Aurangabad, where the sky remained cloudy through the morning.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a yellow alert for fog in five districts, including Araria and Purnia. According to the department, people in these areas will experience colder conditions during mornings and nights, with mist and fog likely to persist during late night and early hours.
Due to fog, five trains are running late:
• 13247 Ara Capital Express – delayed by 2 hours 22 minutes
• 12318 Akal Takht Express – delayed by 1 hour 55 minutes
• 13347 Palamu Express – delayed by 55 minutes
• 13287 South Bihar Express – delayed by 3 hours 47 minutes
• 12947 Azimabad Superfast Express – delayed by 8 hours 25 minutes
Weather Outlook
Over the next 24 hours, Bihar’s minimum temperature is expected to range between 8°C and 14°C, while the maximum temperature may stay between 22°C and 29°C. The IMD said the weather will remain dry across the state for the next seven days, with no rainfall forecast.
Fog is likely to continue for the next two mornings, especially in north-eastern and border districts. Supaul, Araria, Kishanganj, Purnia and Katihar are expected to see dense fog on Wednesday, while Patna and nearby areas will remain mostly clear.
Temperature Trends
In the past 24 hours, temperatures in 12 districts dropped below 10°C. Kaimur recorded 8.4°C, Jamui 8.3°C, Jehanabad 8.2°C, Arwal 9.1°C and Lakhisarai 9.1°C. Kishanganj recorded the lowest minimum temperature at 8.5°C.
Patna recorded a minimum temperature of 13.6°C and a maximum of 24.6°C, marking the highest January minimum in the last 15 years. Rajgir recorded the highest maximum temperature at 27.2°C.
IMD Patna Director Ashish Kumar said that reduced wind speed, higher moisture levels and increased sunshine are making daytime conditions feel warmer, though morning and night chill persists. He added that temperatures may fluctuate over the next 10 days, with a possible rise of 2°C to 4°C in both minimum and maximum temperatures.
Possibility of Cold Return
Weather experts said that if a new western disturbance becomes active in late January or early February, Bihar could experience another spell of cold. For now, the winter impact is gradually weakening.
