Residents of Bihar are set to welcome the New Year 2026 under a thick blanket of fog and biting cold, as per the latest forecast from the India Meteorological Department (IMD). The state is gearing up for significantly chilly and damp conditions on both New Year's Eve and New Year's Day, which could impact festive plans.
Detailed Forecast for December 31 and January 1
The IMD bulletin indicates that dense fog is very likely to envelop the northern and south-western districts of Bihar on Wednesday, December 31. Adding to the winter chill, cold day conditions, where daytime temperatures remain substantially below normal, are predicted to prevail across several parts of the state. Weather officials note that patches of dense fog can also be expected at one or two places in most districts.
The foggy scenario is expected to persist into Thursday, January 1. Moderate to dense fog is forecast for the north-central, north-western, south-central, and south-western regions at some locations. Isolated pockets in the north-eastern and south-eastern parts of Bihar may also experience similar conditions. While the overall weather will remain crisp, the dual challenge of low temperatures and reduced visibility may pose difficulties for outdoor New Year celebrations, especially during the early morning and late evening hours.
Temperature Trends and Recorded Data
Meteorologists have stated that both minimum and maximum temperatures are likely to show little to no change over the next three to four days. Daytime temperatures are expected to hover between 14 and 18 degrees Celsius, while the mercury at night could plunge to a low of 8 degrees Celsius in some areas.
Duty officer Kumar Gaurav explained, "Fog is anticipated mainly in the northern and central belts along with southern regions. It will taper slightly by January 4, confining itself to northern and south-eastern areas with isolated occurrences elsewhere."
As per the weather bulletin, cold day conditions were already recorded in Forbesganj and Nalanda on Monday. The highest maximum temperature in the state was 18.7 degrees Celsius in Sheikhpura. Daytime readings across Bihar varied between 13.2 and 18 degrees Celsius, showing minimal variation in many districts. Night-time temperatures dropped to a chilling 8.4 degrees Celsius in Forbesganj (Araria district), with minimums statewide ranging from 8.4 to 13.5 degrees Celsius.
Regional Variations and Visibility Concerns
However, a marginal rise of 1-3 degrees Celsius in minimum temperatures was witnessed in the south-western and south-central parts of Bihar. The primary concern remains poor visibility due to fog. The lowest visibility of 600 metres was recorded in Purnia, significantly hampering travel.
In the capital, Patna, the maximum temperature was 14.7 degrees Celsius, which is 7.6 notches below the normal average. The minimum settled at 12.6 degrees Celsius. Overcast skies and moderate fog were observed at several locations across the city. The cold wave's intensity was underscored by the fact that as many as six districts in Bihar recorded minimum temperatures of 10 degrees Celsius or below.
Authorities advise citizens to take necessary precautions while traveling and to dress warmly if attending outdoor events to ring in the New Year.
