Patna: Bihar continues to reel under severe cold conditions, with no immediate relief expected over the next week, according to the Meteorological Centre. Weather officials said temperatures are likely to remain low till January 5, while marginal relief may set in only after January 6.
On Wednesday, the Meteorological Centre issued an orange alert for cold day conditions and dense fog in 25 districts of Bihar. The alert is expected to remain in force for the next few days, with persistent fog affecting visibility during early morning hours.
Gaya, Rohtas and Rajgir recorded the lowest temperatures in the state over the past 24 hours, with minimum temperatures dropping close to 7 degrees Celsius. In view of the intensifying cold, the Patna district administration has announced the closure of schools up to Class 8 till January 2.
Weather experts attributed the prevailing conditions to active westerly winds caused by a western disturbance, along with a cyclonic circulation over West Bengal extending up to northern Bangladesh. These systems have increased moisture levels in the atmosphere, resulting in dense fog across large parts of the state.
Lack of sunlight adds to public discomfort
Several districts have witnessed no sunshine for nearly a week, significantly impacting maximum temperatures. The narrow gap between day and night temperatures has led to persistent cold conditions throughout the day, increasing discomfort for residents.
Visuals from across the state highlight the severity of the cold wave. In Raxaul, a bull was seen standing near a bonfire to escape the cold, while residents in Aurangabad gathered around makeshift fires for warmth. Dense fog enveloped Gaya early in the morning, reducing visibility, while similar conditions were reported from Ara. In Patna, roads appeared largely deserted due to cold winds and fog.
Patna weather forecast
The cold and foggy conditions are expected to persist in the capital city over the next few days. The Meteorological Centre has warned of dense fog during morning hours, with cloudy skies likely during the day. Cold westerly winds are expected to intensify the chill factor.
New Year 2026 weather outlook
According to the Meteorological Centre, Bihar is unlikely to see any major relief from the cold wave during the initial days of the new year. Cold day conditions and dense fog are expected to dominate several parts of the state throughout the first week of January. A gradual change in weather patterns is expected only after that period.
