Is a Severe Cold Wave Affecting Bihar? IMD Issues Alert for 27 Districts
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Severe cold wave impacting Bihar.
- IMD issues alerts for 27 districts.
- Temperatures have dropped significantly.
- Dense fog is creating hazardous travel conditions.
- Precautionary measures are being implemented.
Patna, Dec 19 (NationPress) A severe cold wave has taken hold across Bihar, enveloping mornings in thick fog and causing temperatures to drop significantly throughout the state. Even during the day, damp conditions are exacerbating the chill, leading to a persistent cold throughout the daylight hours.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has warned of a cold wave and cold day alert for 27 districts, indicating that the next 48 hours are crucial as cold conditions are expected to worsen.
In Patna, the maximum temperature plummeted by nearly six degrees Celsius within a day, with the city registering a maximum of 16.9 degrees C and a minimum of 14.0 degrees C, resulting in a narrow diurnal variation of just 2.9 degrees C, allowing the cold to persist throughout the day. Brief moments of sunshine in certain areas did little to alleviate the chill.
The IMD forecasts that this winter may be colder than last year due to the combined effects of westerly winds, high surface moisture, and low wind speeds, which are also contributing to dense to very dense fog. The department anticipates particularly dense fog on December 20 and has advised residents to remain vigilant.
Districts likely to be most impacted by the cold wave include Sitamarhi, East and West Champaran, Gopalganj, Sheohar, Siwan, Muzaffarpur, Vaishali, Samastipur, Buxar, Bhojpur, Patna, Nalanda, Arwal, Rohtas, Kaimur (Bhabua), Aurangabad, Gaya, Jehanabad, Nawada, Sheikhpura, Darbhanga, Begusarai, and Madhubani.
Dense fog has severely restricted road visibility, raising significant safety concerns during the morning hours. Reports from districts such as Gopalganj and Buxar indicate that poor visibility has led to numerous road accidents, causing multiple casualties.
In response, district administrations are on high alert, implementing measures such as bonfires at public locations and enhancing emergency preparedness to safeguard vulnerable populations.
The IMD has urged residents to exercise utmost caution while traveling, especially during early morning hours, as cold wave conditions are expected to persist in the coming days.