The state of Bihar continues to shiver under an intense and persistent winter spell, with residents grappling with severe cold, dense fog, and a conspicuous absence of sunlight. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) in Patna has issued a grim forecast, indicating that these harsh conditions are set to continue, offering little respite in the near future.
IMD's Stern Warning and Extended Orange Alert
In its latest bulletin issued on Friday, the IMD has stated that the orange alert for cold day conditions and very dense fog will remain in force across the state until the end of the month. The prevailing weather system, characterized by high moisture levels and calm winds, is expected to persist for another four to five days. This prolongs the misery for millions battling numb fingers, delayed transportation, and dangerously low visibility on roads.
The meteorological outlook for the coming week remains bleak. The IMD has continued its warning for cold day conditions across north-western, north-central, and southern districts of Bihar until December 30. Specifically, by December 27, the intensity of the fog is predicted to increase further over north-western and north-central parts, with visibility likely to drop to near-zero in isolated pockets.
Temperature Plunge and Visibility Crisis
While maximum temperatures in districts like Muzaffarpur, Darbhanga, and Bhagalpur are expected to range between 18 and 22 degrees Celsius, the thick, persistent fog layer blocking sunlight means the cold feels significantly harsher than what the thermometers show. On Friday, Aurangabad and Sabour recorded the state's lowest minimum temperature at 7.4 degrees Celsius, while Kishanganj saw the highest maximum at 24.1 degrees Celsius.
Adding to the chill, south-central and south-western regions witnessed a further drop of one to three degrees Celsius over the past 24 hours. In the capital, Patna, the maximum temperature was 14.6 degrees Celsius, with a minimum of 10 degrees Celsius.
Visibility has emerged as a critical concern. Very dense fog has enveloped major urban centers, including Patna, Gaya, and Valmiki Nagar, where visibility plummeted to just 100 metres. This has severely disrupted rail and road traffic, with delays reported from several districts. The fog has been so stubborn that it lingers well into the afternoon hours, creating a hazardous environment for commuters.
Administrative Challenge and Regional Impact
With dry weather anticipated across Bihar for the next seven days, the immediate challenge for the state administration is to manage the widespread disruptions caused by the dense fog and ensure public safety during this punishing cold spell. District-wise data indicates that the combination of dry weather, high moisture, and calm winds has created a perfect trap for fog, likely to last for at least five more days.
In the northern belt stretching from West Champaran to Kishanganj, elevated humidity levels have intensified the cold, making the 'real feel' temperature much lower than the actual readings. Districts such as Rohtas, Bhabua, and Jehanabad have been advised to take special precautions as night temperatures continue to stay below the 10-degree mark.
As the year draws to a close, meteorological trends indicate that both maximum and minimum temperatures will remain largely unchanged for the next three to four days, sealing Bihar's fate in the grip of a relentless winter.
