Is Bihar Facing a Severe Cold, Fog, and Pollution Crisis?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Temperatures in Bihar are dropping significantly.
- Pollution levels have reached alarming highs.
- Residents should take health precautions.
- Limited visibility due to fog affects transportation.
- Light rainfall is expected from November 27–28.
Patna, November 24 (NationPress) As winter settles in, Bihar is grappling with an alarming rise in fog and pollution. The Meteorological Department has issued a cautionary alert indicating that nighttime temperatures could dip by 2–4°C due to the influence of north-westerly winds.
According to the IMD, several districts may experience night temperatures falling below 10°C, with dense morning fog anticipated to reduce visibility to approximately 600 meters.
As temperatures decrease, air quality has deteriorated in numerous regions. Hajipur, located in the industrial belt of Vaishali district, has once again ranked among the most polluted areas, with an AQI of 212, making it challenging for residents to breathe.
On Monday morning, Patna recorded a moderate pollution level with an AQI of 188. In stark contrast, the pollution level in Narkatiaganj, West Champaran, surged to a hazardous 480, one of the highest in the state.
The rising pollution has led to an uptick in cases of respiratory issues, asthma, and high blood pressure. Currently, the AQI in Hajipur, Patna, and Bhagalpur varies from moderate to poor.
In Patna, temperatures have decreased by 1–2°C across 24 districts.
Forbesganj in Araria district reported the highest temperature at 31.2°C, whereas Kishanganj experienced the coldest night at 12.3°C. Limited visibility has been reported in Purnea, Gaya, and other parts of North Bihar, causing traffic delays.
The IMD has also predicted the formation of a low-pressure area in the Bay of Bengal, which may bring light rainfall to Bihar around November 27–28.
Despite some daytime sunshine, maximum temperatures are projected to remain between 26°C and 30°C.
The Meteorological Department suggests that severe winter conditions are not expected until the first week of December; however, cold north-westerly winds are likely to persist for the next three days. Citizens are advised to dress warmly, wear masks, and limit outdoor activities in the early morning and late evening.
Farmers have been warned to safeguard their crops, and travelers are urged to exercise caution while driving in fog-affected areas.