Yellow alert issued for cold day in 19 Bihar districts; cold wave expected to intensify in 48 hours

Patna: Bihar continues to endure a severe cold spell, with temperatures expected to drop further over the next two days, intensifying the chill. Meteorologists warn that bone-chilling conditions are likely to prevail, especially in western and northern parts of the state, with a forecast of cold day conditions in these regions.

On Thursday, Dehri and Banka recorded the lowest minimum temperature in Bihar at 4.4°C, while Gaya experienced its coldest night of the season at 5.8°C. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the state’s average maximum temperature hovered around 16°C, and the average minimum temperature stood at 9.5°C.

Several districts, including Patna, Gaya, Madhubani, Valmikinagar, Chhapra, Darbhanga, Motihari, Sheikhpura, and Jamui, reported minimum temperatures near or below 10°C. Across the state, maximum temperatures remained below normal, adding to the chill.

Meteorologists attribute the icy conditions to a western disturbance over Jammu and Pakistan, coupled with cold westerly winds blowing at high altitudes across northern India. This combination is likely to maintain the cold conditions, although a slight rise in minimum temperatures by 2-4°C is expected after 48 hours.

Patna, in particular, has experienced a significant drop in temperature over the past four days. The city’s minimum temperature fell from 16.1°C on December 29 to 10.6°C on Thursday. The maximum temperature also remained below normal, with Thursday’s high reaching just 16.4°C.

In its long-term forecast, IMD Patna indicated that January might see normal or below-normal cold wave activity in most parts of the state. While the minimum temperature in southwestern and south-central Bihar is likely to be below normal, the rest of the state can expect normal minimum temperatures.

Rainfall patterns for January are also expected to vary, with southern Bihar likely to receive above-normal rainfall, while northern regions may see below-normal precipitation.