The India Meteorological Department (IMD) in Patna has sounded an orange alert for twenty-six districts across Bihar, urging residents to brace for imminent danger as severe cold day conditions grip the state. The alert was issued on Sunday amid high humidity levels and icy westerly winds sweeping through the region.
Severe Temperature Drop and Widespread Fog
Patna recorded a maximum temperature of 16.8 degrees Celsius and a minimum of 12.5 degrees Celsius on Sunday, highlighting the intensity of the cold spell. Over the past day, Gaya reported the state's lowest minimum temperature at a chilling 8.0 degrees Celsius. In contrast, Kishanganj recorded the highest maximum temperature at 22.1 degrees Celsius.
The weather office has forecast light to moderate fog across Bihar over the next three days. Scientist Anand Shankar from IMD Patna stated that the significant dip in temperature has impacted a large population, necessitating warnings for potential cold days statewide.
Travel Disruptions and Shifting Weather Focus
Cold day conditions were most severe across western and central Bihar on Sunday. Dense fog blanketed isolated pockets of southwestern districts, severely reducing visibility. The impact was acutely felt in Gaya, where visibility plummeted to just 50 metres, causing major disruptions to road and rail traffic.
Weather officials predict a slight shift in the cold spell's focus on Monday. Districts including Gaya, Nalanda, Arwal, and Jehanabad are likely to bear the brunt of the cold day conditions. Simultaneously, dense fog is expected to move towards northwestern districts, particularly affecting Sitamarhi and Sheohar.
By Tuesday, the fog intensity is expected to become more localised, with dense pockets forming in parts of northern and southwestern Bihar. However, light to moderate fog will likely persist across most districts, including Purnea and Katihar. The IMD has indicated no significant change in minimum and maximum temperatures across the state in the coming days.
Administrative Response and Public Advisories
State authorities have advised residents and commuters to exercise extreme caution, especially during early morning hours when visibility is poorest. Motorists have been urged to use low-beam headlights and maintain safe distances, as high humidity can create deceptive and dangerous driving conditions on highways.
In response to the crisis, the Patna district administration has intensified relief measures. Public bonfires have been set up at 199 identified locations across the district, including Patna Sadar, Phulwarisharif, and Danapur. These are strategically placed at busy hubs such as Patna Junction, PMCH, Rajendra Nagar Terminal, Saguna More, Khagaul Station, and the Secretariat to provide immediate warmth to commuters and outdoor workers.
Furthermore, the Patna Municipal Corporation has made operational 26 permanent and temporary night shelters to accommodate the homeless and vulnerable. Shelter locations include New Secretariat Gate No. 3, Sheikhpura More, Hartali More, and the local fish market. Official records show that 7,854 people have used these facilities so far, with 590 seeking shelter on Sunday alone.
District administrations across Bihar remain on high alert. Residents have been advised to strictly follow the health and safety guidelines issued by the disaster management department to mitigate risks during this prolonged cold spell.
