Patna: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an orange alert for 25 districts of Bihar, warning of dense fog and cold day conditions over the next 48 hours, with the advisory remaining in force until January 11.
According to the IMD’s Patna meteorological centre, widespread fog is expected to blanket much of the state, significantly reducing visibility and potentially disrupting road, rail and air transport. The department cautioned that the prevailing cold and fog could also pose health risks, particularly for the elderly, children and those with respiratory conditions.
The orange alert covers West Champaran, East Champaran, Gopalganj, Siwan, Saran, Vaishali, Muzaffarpur, Sheohar, Sitamarhi, Madhubani, Darbhanga, Samastipur, Supaul, Araria, Kishanganj, Purnea, Katihar, Madhepura, Saharsa, Khagaria and Begusarai, where dense fog is likely to cause very low visibility, especially during the early morning and late night hours.
Weather conditions are expected to remain largely normal over the next two days in parts of southern and central Bihar, including Patna, Nalanda, Sheikhpura, Munger, Bhagalpur, Banka, Jamui, Nawada, Gaya, Jehanabad and Arwal. However, the IMD said fog may still affect districts such as Buxar, Bhojpur, Rohtas, Kaimur and Aurangabad, and advised residents to stay alert to changing conditions.
Temperatures across the state have dipped in the past 24 hours, with the lowest minimum recorded at 5°C in Bhagalpur. In Patna, moderate fog is forecast to persist during morning hours until January 13, with maximum temperatures expected to range between 15°C and 18°C, and minimum temperatures between 9°C and 10°C.
The meteorological department has urged people to take precautions during the cold spell, limit unnecessary travel during periods of dense fog, and adopt measures to protect themselves from low temperatures, particularly during early mornings and nights.
