“Bitter Cold and Fog Lash Bihar: Yellow Alert in 14 Districts, Double Threat of Cold Wave and Fog”

Patna: Bihar continues to reel under severe cold, as biting winds and dense fog disrupt daily life across the state. The Meteorological Department has issued a yellow alert for 14 districts, warning of further temperature drops due to icy winds and ongoing cold waves.

With the minimum temperature plunging to around 6°C, both urban and rural areas are experiencing extremely cold conditions, with little difference between day and night temperatures. The alert, effective until 14 January, covers East and West Champaran, Sitamarhi, Shivhar, Madhubani, Supaul, Araria, Kishanganj, Gopalganj, Muzaffarpur, Darbhanga, Madhepura, Saharsa, and Purnia. Authorities have urged residents to remain cautious amid dense fog and severe chill, with minor relief expected only after ten days.

Weather Forecast

According to the Meteorological Department, temperatures may fall by another 1–2°C next week. On 17 January, interaction with a western disturbance from North India may intensify the cold. Fog is expected to reduce visibility in several districts, prompting officials to advise limiting travel to essential journeys only. The extreme cold is attributed to recent snowfall in the Himalayan region and the impact of active western disturbances.

Recent Temperature Trends

In the past 24 hours, southern and northwestern Bihar saw a temperature drop of 2–5°C, while other areas experienced minor changes. Patna recorded a maximum of 14.5°C and a minimum of 10.8°C. Muzaffarpur, Samastipur, Saharsa, and Gaya also felt the brunt of the cold, with Muzaffarpur witnessing only a 1.7°C difference between day and night temperatures, indicating persistent chill. Citizens have been advised to take preventive measures and limit outdoor activity.

Limited Relief Expected

Meteorologists warn that significant relief from the cold is unlikely over the next ten days, with minimum temperatures possibly dropping another 1–2°C. Dense fog over Samastipur, Khagaria, Begusarai, and Supaul reduced visibility to near zero. In Bhagalpur, Samastipur, and Sheikhpura, minimum temperatures hovered around 4°C, underscoring the severity of the cold wave. The department predicts minor daytime warming of 1–3°C, but nighttime temperatures are expected to drop further.

Cold-Related Accident in Nawada

The severe weather has already claimed lives. On Monday, a road accident in Nawada district killed BPSC teacher Kundan Prabhat when a sand-laden tractor collided with his bike. His colleague Alok Kumar was seriously injured. The deceased, 25-year-old Kundan Prabhat, was a resident of Bhairo Beldaria village, Warsaliganj block, and had been married six months ago. He was on his way to teach at Utkramit Madhya Vidyalaya in Paroria village, Meskaur block, when the accident occurred near Chatar Mor.