An unrelenting cold spell continues to grip Bihar, severely disrupting daily life across the state. Residents are grappling with biting winds, persistent dense fog, and unusually cold daytime temperatures, finding little respite both outdoors and indoors.
IMD Data Points to Prolonged Chill
According to the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD), the minimum temperature in Patna on Friday was recorded at 9.5 degrees Celsius, with the maximum reaching only 15 degrees Celsius. This marks the fifth consecutive day, since January 5, that the city's minimum temperature has stayed in single digits. The IMD has issued warnings indicating that Patna is unlikely to see any respite from cold day conditions and fog over the weekend, at least until January 11.
The cold conditions are widespread across Bihar. Over the past 24 hours, Buxar and Munger recorded severe cold day conditions. Official cold days were noted in Patna, Chapra, Forbesganj, Saharsa, Darbhanga, and Arwal, with a cold wave specifically reported in Chapra. Sabour in Bhagalpur emerged as the coldest spot in the state, recording a minimum temperature of 5 degrees Celsius.
Commuters and Office Workers Bear the Brunt
The severe weather has exposed multiple vulnerabilities. Dense fog drastically reduced visibility on Friday morning, with Valmiki Nagar in West Champaran recording the lowest visibility of just 40 metres. This has made commuting hazardous.
"Winter arrived early this year and gave no relief for over a month," said Sashi Ranjan Singh, a motorcycle commuter. "As a biker, covering your face is non-negotiable; the icy winds, especially after a late-night shift, make riding almost impossible."
Meanwhile, corporate employees in Patna face a unique indoor challenge. Many modern offices with glass façades provide poor insulation. Tanya, an employee at a private bank for seven years, explained, "Even in a closed office with shutters down, the cold seeps through the glass. My hands get so cold that typing becomes a struggle, delaying my work."
Gautam Kashyap, another corporate employee, highlighted how construction materials worsen the situation. "I have to warm up my fingers before I can even sign documents. The old brick-and-cement offices never got this cold. These glass offices just don't hold the heat," he said.
Weather Systems and Forecast
The IMD attributes the prevailing conditions to multiple weather systems. These include a deep depression over the Bay of Bengal moving towards Sri Lanka, high-speed winds over North India, and a cyclonic circulation over Haryana. The forecast for Bihar suggests dry weather over the next week, with moderate to dense fog likely to persist. While daytime temperatures may remain stable, night temperatures could see a slight rise over the next two days, though significant relief is not yet in sight.
The intense cold wave has effectively brought routine activities to a standstill for many, underscoring the need for adaptive measures as the state endures this harsh winter phase.
