By Neeraj Kmar
The entire state of Bihar is reeling under a severe cold wave, with temperatures plummeting due to strong westerly winds. The Meteorological Centre in Patna has attributed the chilly conditions to an active Western Disturbance, predicting that the icy winds will persist until 6 January.
In its latest update, the Meteorological Centre has issued a fog alert for 12 districts, including West Champaran, East Champaran, Gopalganj, Siwan, Saran, Supaul, Araria, Kishanganj, Madhepura, Saharsa, Purnia, and Katihar. Medium to dense fog is expected to envelop these areas over the next 48 hours, significantly reducing visibility.
The adverse weather has slowed down vehicular movement on highways and other routes, with drivers resorting to headlights even during the day. The plunging temperatures have intensified the cold, compelling residents to seek warmth around bonfires.
In Siwan, Banka, and Sasaram, the combination of dense fog and westerly winds has heightened the chill, disrupting daily life. Banka recorded a minimum temperature of 4°C, according to the Meteorological Department. The persistent cold has severely impacted residents, particularly in areas surrounding Banka, Siwan, and Sasaram.
The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has highlighted the strong presence of the Western Disturbance in Bihar, which is causing widespread cold conditions across the state. The impact of these winds is expected to continue in the coming days. Typically, the westerly winds associated with Western Disturbances bring winter rain to regions like Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, and further east to Bihar and Bengal. However, this year, Bihar has experienced a significant deficit in winter rainfall, adversely affecting various crops.
