Bihar Experiences Intense Cold Wave: Dense Fog Alert Issued for 16 Districts

KKN Gurugram Desk | Bihar continues to reel under the grip of an intense cold wave, with several districts covered in dense fog due to a sudden rise in moisture caused by Western Disturbances. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted that the cold wave conditions will persist today, January 23, 2025, and issued a Yellow Alert for five districts in the state. Additionally, 16 districts are on high alert for dense fog, making it a challenging day for commuters and residents.

Dense Fog and Cold-Day Alert in 16 Districts

The IMD has issued a dense fog warning for 16 districts, including key areas like Sitamarhi, East Champaran, Madhubani, Sheohar, and Saran, which are under the Yellow Alert category for cold-day conditions. The department has cautioned residents in these regions to take necessary precautions, especially during early morning and late evening hours when visibility levels drop drastically.

The weather forecast indicates that dense fog will continue to envelop most parts of the state over the next two days, especially in areas close to the Himalayan foothills.

Temperature Overview Across Bihar

Cold weather has pushed the minimum temperatures across Bihar to dip significantly, with the lowest recorded temperature in the past 24 hours being 8°C in Rohtas district. Other districts also experienced biting cold, with Banka recording 10.3°C, Nalanda at 10.4°C, and Gaya at 10.9°C. Here’s a look at minimum temperatures across key districts:

• Sheikhpura: 11.1°C
• Vaishali: 11.3°C
• Patna: 11.4°C
• Gopalganj: 12°C
• Darbhanga: 12.8°C
• West Champaran: 13.8°C
• Madhepura: 13.9°C

The maximum temperatures in these districts are expected to range between 18°C to 22°C, further intensifying the cold-day conditions.

Impact of Western Disturbances

The current weather pattern is primarily attributed to Western Disturbances, which have increased the moisture levels across Bihar. This has resulted in dense fog and a significant drop in temperatures. Western Disturbances are a common meteorological phenomenon during the winter months in northern India, often leading to cold waves, fog, and even rainfall in certain regions.

Rain Forecast for January 27

The Meteorological Department has also predicted light rainfall in Bihar on January 27, which could further impact the weather conditions. Rainfall is expected to bring more moisture into the air, potentially leading to another round of dense fog and a drop in temperatures across the state.

Road Safety Advisory Amid Dense Fog

The dense fog has raised concerns for road safety, as visibility levels in many regions have dropped to alarming levels. Commuters are advised to:

1. Use fog lights and drive cautiously, especially during early morning hours.
2. Avoid overspeeding on highways, particularly in fog-prone areas like Sitamarhi, Saran, and East Champaran.
3. Stay updated with the latest weather forecasts to plan travel accordingly.

Health Risks During Cold Wave

The ongoing cold wave poses significant health risks, especially to the elderly, children, and those with pre-existing health conditions. The chilly weather can lead to issues like hypothermia, frostbite, and respiratory problems. Residents are advised to:

• Wear warm clothing and layer up to stay protected from the cold.
• Avoid stepping out during the early morning or late evening unless necessary.
• Use heaters or room warmers indoors to maintain a comfortable temperature.
• Consume warm fluids like tea, coffee, or soups to keep the body warm.

Recent Weather Trends in Bihar

Over the past few weeks, Bihar has been experiencing fluctuating weather patterns due to seasonal variations and the impact of Western Disturbances. The state has seen periods of intense fog followed by brief intervals of clearer skies. However, the current cold wave is expected to persist for the next 48 hours, bringing further challenges for residents.

The IMD also reported that the Himalayan foothills are playing a key role in maintaining the dense fog cover in districts like Madhubani, Sheohar, and Sitamarhi. These areas are particularly vulnerable to extreme winter weather conditions during this time of year.

Top Cold-Hit Districts in Bihar

1. Rohtas: Recorded the lowest temperature of 8°C, making it the coldest district in Bihar.
2. Gaya: Known for its spiritual significance, Gaya experienced a minimum temperature of 10.9°C, with daytime temperatures struggling to cross 20°C.
3. Patna: Bihar’s capital city recorded a minimum temperature of 11.4°C, with dense fog impacting visibility on major roads and highways.
4. Vaishali and Sheikhpura: Both districts recorded temperatures just above 11°C, highlighting the widespread nature of the cold wave.

Steps Taken by Local Authorities

In light of the cold wave and dense fog, the Bihar government has taken several measures to ensure public safety:

• School timings have been adjusted in many districts to prevent children from stepping out during extreme cold conditions.
• Local authorities are monitoring highways and deploying safety teams to manage traffic during low visibility.
• Weather updates are being regularly shared with the public to keep them informed about changing conditions.

Bihar’s ongoing cold wave and dense fog conditions have significantly impacted daily life across the state. With temperatures dipping to as low as 8°C in some regions and dense fog covering most districts, residents are facing challenges in travel and daily activities. The IMD’s warnings and Yellow Alerts highlight the seriousness of the situation, urging people to stay cautious and take necessary precautions.

As the weather patterns continue to fluctuate due to Western Disturbances, the coming days are likely to bring more challenges, including potential rainfall on January 27. Residents are advised to stay informed through regular weather updates and prioritize safety during these extreme conditions.

Stay tuned to KKNLive.com for the latest updates on Bihar’s weather and other important news from across the state