Large parts of Bihar continued to reel under intense cold conditions on Wednesday, disrupting daily life across several districts.
Dense fog reduced visibility in many areas, slowing the movement of vehicles. The Meteorological Department has warned that both fog and cold conditions are likely to intensify in the coming days.
This December has already surpassed several previous records. Minimum temperatures in many districts have remained below 10 degrees Celsius, while night temperatures are dropping to around 5 degrees Celsius.
According to the Met Department, westerly winds blowing at speeds of up to 30 km/h over the next two to three days may push temperatures even lower. A cold wave alert has been issued for Patna, Purnea, Kishanganj and several nearby districts.
In Patna, the maximum temperature was recorded at 22 degrees Celsius and the minimum at 9 degrees Celsius on Wednesday morning. Muzaffarpur recorded a maximum of 23 degrees Celsius and a minimum of 11 degrees.
Districts including Gopalganj, Siwan, Saran, Bhojpur, Buxar, Arwal, Jehanabad, Patna, Gaya, Nalanda and Nawada are expected to be among the worst affected, with minimum temperatures likely to range between 5 degrees and 10 degrees Celsius.
In Muzaffarpur, dense fog disrupted normal activities as the city remained shrouded in a thick layer of fog throughout the day. Vehicular movement slowed considerably, and drivers were forced to keep their headlights on even during daytime.
Residents have turned to room heaters and woollens to cope with the biting cold.
A separate forecast has warned of light to moderate fog in West Champaran, East Champaran, Sitamarhi, Sheohar, Gopalganj, Saran, Siwan and Madhubani.
The Met Department has cautioned that the next 48 hours may be extremely challenging for people across Bihar. Experts believe the harshest phase of winter is still ahead, with temperatures expected to dip further in the coming days.
As the cold wave tightens its grip, the state is preparing for even more severe conditions.
— IANS
