Patna: The chill in Bihar has begun intensifying, driven by westerly winds. On Thursday, the state recorded its coldest temperatures of the season so far, with minimum readings between 8 and 10 degrees Celsius in districts such as Buxar, Bhojpur, Rohtas, Bhabua, Aurangabad, and Arwal. Other parts of the state reported slightly higher minimum temperatures, ranging from 10 to 12 degrees Celsius.
The Meteorological Centre has noted persistent fog in northern Bihar, warning that it will likely grow denser in the days ahead. Aurangabad recorded the state’s highest maximum temperature at 29.6 degrees Celsius, while Dehri registered the lowest minimum at 10.2 degrees Celsius.
Severe cold is expected to set in by December 20, with bone-chilling conditions anticipated from December 15 to January 15. Despite the looming harsh weather, the increasing cold is expected to benefit the rabi crop, providing favourable conditions for agriculture.
Patna, meanwhile, has surpassed Delhi in terms of air pollution, with the state capital’s air quality index (AQI) registering higher than that of the national capital.
Meteorologist SK Patel predicted that dense fog will begin covering Bihar after a week, significantly reducing visibility and impacting train and flight schedules. He added that the delay in severe cold is due to the absence of a strong western disturbance. “A similar trend was observed last year when the cold intensified only after December 15,” Patel said.
Explaining the weather pattern, Patel noted that snowfall in northern hilly regions typically strengthens western disturbances. The cold air descending from these regions amplifies Bihar’s chill. However, the weaker western disturbances this year have resulted in less snowfall, delaying the onset of extreme cold.
Patel also highlighted the cyclical nature of the cold season. “December and January are the coldest months, with severe cold waves hitting twice in January and twice in February, usually in 15-day cycles,” he said. Rainfall during these months often clears the fog but also ushers in cold waves, adding to the harsh conditions.
As Bihar braces for a colder winter, the dense fog and plunging temperatures are expected to test daily life while potentially affecting travel and agriculture.
