Dense fog and persistent cold winds affected large parts of Bihar on Friday, with Bhagalpur reporting visibility as low as 20 metres. The Meteorological Centre in Patna warned that the chill is likely to continue and that no significant improvement in conditions is expected until at least 4 January.
Bihar weather update and forecast
The meteorological office issued a cold-day warning for seven districts — Gopalganj, Siwan, Muzaffarpur, Darbhanga, Saharsa, Madhepura and Purnia. Authorities said dense fog will remain over the northern districts of the state while the western breeze known locally as ‘pachua’ is sustaining a biting feel across Patna and surrounding areas.
Early-morning readings showed Siwan’s Giradei area as the coldest location, with a minimum temperature of 5.8 °C. Patna recorded a seasonal low of 8.2 °C, its lowest this winter, while the city’s daytime maximum reached 19.3 °C. Overall statewide minimum temperatures ranged between 5.8 °C and 10.5 °C on Friday.
Visibility was severely reduced in several places. Bhagalpur registered the lowest visibility at around 20 metres during the morning, creating difficult conditions for road and rail travel. Although the sun broke through at times during the day, sweeping winds have limited daytime warming and preserved the cold at night.
Other districts that recorded minimum temperatures below 10 °C included Gaya, Bhagalpur, Purnia, Chapra, Sabour, Dehri, Sheikhpura, Vaishali, Aurangabad, Rajgir, Kishanganj, Munger and Jehanabad. The meteorological centre cautioned residents in these areas to take care during early-morning travel and to expect chilly mornings to persist.
Outlook for the week
Forecasters say that for most of January, minimum temperatures across large parts of Bihar are likely to be below normal. Predicted nightly lows for the month range between 9 °C and 12 °C in many areas, while daytime maximums may be slightly above average. The western districts could experience colder spells stronger than usual during the month.
The weather office advised that over the next five days significant temperature swings are unlikely. Residents are being urged to follow local advisories, take precautions against respiratory ailments and allow extra time for travel during heavy fog. Transport authorities may impose speed restrictions where visibility drops sharply.
Key Takeaways:
- Bihar weather update: Dense fog blankets northern districts and Bhagalpur recorded visibility close to zero.
- Seven districts — Gopalganj, Siwan, Muzaffarpur, Darbhanga, Saharsa, Madhepura and Purnia — under cold day alert through 4 January.
- Lowest minimum 5.8°C recorded at Siwan; Patna logged a seasonal low of 8.2°C while maximums remain mild around 19°C.
