Patna: Bihar is reeling under the effects of snowfall in northern hill states, with temperatures plunging across multiple districts over the past three days. Westerly winds have exacerbated the chill, prompting the India Meteorological Department (IMD) to issue a yellow alert for dense fog in 12 districts today.
The districts under alert include Katihar, Kishanganj, Purnia, Madhepura, Saharsa, Araria, Supaul, Saran, Siwan, Gopalganj, East Champaran, and West Champaran. Dense fog and cold wave conditions are anticipated in these areas.
Cold Intensifies Across Bihar
Banka recorded the lowest minimum temperature in the state at 5.4°C over the past 24 hours, while the state capital, Patna, reported a minimum temperature below 10°C. In contrast, Kishanganj was the warmest district, with a maximum temperature of 25°C.
Pollution Worsens Amid Winter Chill
The worsening cold has been accompanied by deteriorating air quality in many districts. Patna recorded the worst Air Quality Index (AQI) among eight districts monitored by the department on Friday.
Flight and Train Delays
Fog disrupted air travel, with visibility in Patna dropping to below 1,000 meters in the morning. Twelve flight pairs were delayed, causing significant inconvenience to passengers. Indigo’s Delhi-Patna flight (6E 2425) was delayed by 1.5 hours, while Air India and SpiceJet flights also arrived late by up to an hour.
Train services were similarly affected, with the Magadh Express and Brahmaputra Mail arriving in Patna about seven hours behind schedule.
Temperature Data Released
The IMD reported that Kishanganj and Sheikhpura recorded the highest maximum temperatures in the state, at 25.0°C and 20.8°C, respectively. Data from 12 districts has been released as part of the weather update.
