Yellow Alert Issued for Dense Fog Across 24 Districts in Bihar

Patna: The Meteorological Department has issued a yellow alert for dense fog in 24 districts of Bihar on Tuesday, cautioning residents about reduced visibility and potential travel disruptions. The affected districts include West Champaran, East Champaran, Gopalganj, Siwan, Saran, Sitamarhi, Shivhar, Muzaffarpur, Vaishali, Darbhanga, Samastipur, Madhubani, Supaul, Madhepura, Kishanganj, Araria, Saharsa, Purnia, Katihar, Bhagalpur, Khagaria, Banka, Jamui, and Munger.

According to weather officials, the state is likely to experience a severe cold wave over the next week, with minimum temperatures predicted to drop by 2 to 4 degrees Celsius. Araria reported the coldest temperature in the past 24 hours at 9 degrees Celsius.

Meanwhile, air quality in Patna remains a growing concern, with an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 295 recorded on Monday, bordering the “very unhealthy” category. Ara reported even worse conditions, with an AQI of 306. Officials have urged residents to limit outdoor activities, especially during peak pollution hours.

Monday saw a noticeable shift in Bihar’s weather due to the convergence of westerly and easterly winds and the arrival of a western disturbance. Dense fog enveloped 15 districts, including Patna, during the morning hours, accompanied by light rain in some areas. However, the skies cleared as the day progressed.

Patna recorded a minimum temperature of 16.1 degrees Celsius on Monday, a 2-degree drop from the previous day but still 4.2 degrees above normal. The maximum temperature settled at 24 degrees Celsius, 1.8 degrees lower than Sunday.

The Meteorological Department predicts further declines in minimum temperatures in Patna, with a possible drop of 2 to 4 degrees Celsius on Tuesday. North-westerly winds are expected to intensify the cold. Dense to moderate fog is anticipated in the southeastern and northern regions of Bihar over the next two to three days, although the weather is expected to remain dry.