Cold Day in 11 Bihar Districts, Dense Fog Alert for 15: Westerly Winds to Intensify Cold Wave

Patna: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a cold-day alert for 11 districts in Bihar, with dense fog warnings in an additional 15 districts. Strong westerly winds are expected to sweep across most parts of the state in the morning, adding to the chill. No significant relief from the cold is anticipated over the next two days, with minimum temperatures likely to range between 8°C and 14°C.

In Patna, light fog is expected between 6 am and 10 am, accompanied by winds at 9 km/h. Temperatures in the state capital are forecast to hover between 9°C and 11°C, with bright sunshine anticipated as the day progresses. However, a light drizzle is forecast for January 27.

Chhapra recorded the lowest temperature in the state over the past 24 hours at 7.7°C on Friday, while Banka, Nalanda, Jamui, and Gaya also experienced minimum temperatures near 10°C. Gopalganj, on the other hand, was the warmest district, with a maximum temperature of 27.3°C.

The cold conditions have prompted the state government to extend school closures for classes up to 8th standard in 10 districts, including Patna, until January 25. With Republic Day and Sunday falling consecutively, schools are set to reopen on January 27.

According to the IMD, the prevailing cold is driven by a Western Disturbance forming a cyclonic circulation over northwest Pakistan and Madhya Pradesh. This system is causing westerly winds to flow through Bihar, contributing to dense morning fog in several areas.