Patna: A severe cold wave in Bihar has intensified, with dense fog, plunging temperatures and damp conditions making the chill persist throughout the day across large parts of the State.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a cold wave and cold day alert for 27 districts, warning that the next 48 hours will be critical as cold conditions are expected to worsen further.

In Patna, temperatures dropped sharply over the past 24 hours, with the maximum falling by nearly six degrees Celsius. The city recorded a maximum temperature of 16.9°C and a minimum of 14.0°C, resulting in a narrow diurnal variation of just 2.9°C, which allowed the cold to linger even during daylight hours. Occasional sunshine in some areas failed to bring significant relief.

According to the IMD, this winter is likely to be colder than last year due to the combined impact of westerly winds, high surface moisture and low wind speeds. These conditions are also contributing to dense to very dense fog, particularly during early morning hours. The department has forecast very dense fog on December 20 and urged residents to remain cautious.

Districts expected to be severely affected by the cold wave include Sitamarhi, East Champaran, 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.

The dense fog in Bihar has significantly reduced road visibility, triggering serious safety concerns. Reports from Gopalganj and Buxar indicate that poor visibility has led to multiple road accidents, resulting in deaths and injuries.

In response, district administrations have been placed on high alert, with measures such as the lighting of bonfires at public places, night shelters and enhanced emergency preparedness being implemented to protect vulnerable populations.

The IMD has advised people to avoid unnecessary travel, especially during early morning hours, and to take adequate precautions as cold wave conditions in Bihar are likely to persist over the coming days.

IANS