Patna: Bihar is set to experience prolonged severe cold as the minimum temperature is likely to drop by 2 to 4 degrees Celsius over the next three days due to westerly winds. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a dense fog alert for all districts, with visibility expected to remain between 150 to 200 meters on Wednesday.
Patna and other parts of the state woke up to dense fog this morning, and similar conditions are expected to persist throughout the day. According to meteorologists, the cold weather is likely to intensify further after January 10, with little relief in sight.
On Tuesday, several districts, including Muzaffarpur, Patna, Gopalganj, and Bikramganj, experienced cold day conditions, which occur when the gap between maximum and minimum temperatures narrows significantly. These conditions are expected to continue today, raising concerns about the health risks associated with such weather.
Cold Day vs Cold Wave: The Bigger Danger
Meteorologists have warned that cold day conditions are more hazardous than a cold wave, as the reduced temperature difference increases the perceived chill. “Cold day conditions can lead to severe health problems, including heart attacks, brain hemorrhages, strokes, and pneumonia,” experts stated. In comparison, during a cold wave, the minimum temperature drops sharply to around 4.6 degrees Celsius, but the daytime maximum temperature remains relatively unchanged.
Weather Data and Trends
Patna recorded a maximum temperature of 16.3 degrees Celsius on Tuesday, with a minimum of 13.4 degrees Celsius—3.1 degrees above normal. Jamui was the coldest district in the past 24 hours, with the minimum temperature dipping to 6.9 degrees Celsius.
Meanwhile, Kishanganj and Purnia were the warmest districts, with maximum temperatures recorded at 25.0 and 23.8 degrees Celsius, respectively.
Forecast for the Coming Days
Foggy mornings are expected across Bihar, including Patna, with a possibility of the sun making brief appearances in the afternoon. While lower wind speeds during the day may reduce the chill slightly, the overall cold conditions will prevail, making warm clothing and precautions essential for residents.
The IMD has urged people to remain vigilant and take necessary measures to stay safe as the state braces for another wave of frigid weather.
