Cold Wave grips Patna
By Neeraj Kumar
Patna: Bihar is in the grip of an intense cold wave, with biting temperatures affecting daily life across the state, including the capital, Patna. In view of the adverse impact of the severe cold on the health and safety of children, Patna District Magistrate Dr Tyag Rajan S.M. has ordered the closure of all government and private schools and educational institutions up to Class 8 till January 11.
According to the order, schools for classes above Class 8 may function between 10.30 am and 3.30 pm. However, special classes and examinations being conducted for pre-board preparations have been exempted from these restrictions. The order will remain in force from January 9 to January 11.
This year, Bihar is witnessing record-breaking cold conditions. Temperatures have dropped sharply in several districts, including Patna, prompting the Meteorological Department to issue a ‘cold day’ alert for most parts of the state. Citing this alert, the Patna district administration has decided to continue the closure of schools to prevent any adverse impact on children’s health.
Schools up to Class 8 have already remained closed for several days due to the cold. The district administration has said that a review will be conducted on January 11, and if there is an improvement in weather conditions, instructions regarding the reopening of schools will be issued accordingly.
Normal life has been severely disrupted by the cold wave. The lowest temperature in the state was recorded at Sabour in Bhagalpur district, where the mercury dipped to around 5 degrees Celsius. In Patna, the temperature has fallen below 10 degrees Celsius, with the maximum recorded at 16.2 degrees Celsius.
Over the past 24 hours, temperatures in 21 districts have remained below 9 degrees Celsius. People in districts such as Patna, Gaya, Bhagalpur, Muzaffarpur and Purnia are reeling under the cold, with many avoiding stepping out due to the chilling conditions. The absence of sunlight in several districts has further worsened the situation.
The Meteorological Department has issued a cold day alert for 25 districts, including those in the Tirhut, Kosi, Darbhanga, Purnia, Bhagalpur and Munger divisions. A warning of dense fog has also been issued, particularly for the morning hours.
According to the department, parts of West Champaran, East Champaran, Gopalganj, Siwan, Saran, Aurangabad, Jehanabad, Gaya, Nalanda, Nawada, Bhagalpur, Saharsa, Madhepura, Darbhanga, Supaul, Araria, Purnia, Kishanganj and Katihar are likely to experience dense to very dense fog over the next few hours. People have been advised to remain alert, as reduced visibility may affect road, rail and air traffic. Travellers, especially during early morning hours, have been urged to drive slowly and undertake journeys only if necessary.
Significant variations have been recorded in minimum temperatures across districts. Valmikinagar reported a minimum of 8.0 degrees Celsius, Ziradei 8.3 degrees, Muzaffarpur 9.8 degrees, Madhubani 9.1 degrees and Supaul 8.4 degrees Celsius. Kishanganj recorded temperatures close to 8 degrees, while Purnia stood at 8.7 degrees. Darbhanga reported 9.0 degrees, Samastipur 9.6 degrees and Vaishali 8.1 degrees Celsius. Chhapra remained one of the coldest, with a minimum temperature of 5.5 degrees Celsius. In Patna, the minimum temperature was recorded at 9.5 degrees Celsius.
The weather forecast indicates that Patna will continue to experience moderate fog during morning hours from January 9 to January 13, 2026. Maximum temperatures are expected to range between 15 and 18 degrees Celsius, while minimum temperatures may hover between 9 and 10 degrees Celsius. Persistent fog is likely to keep mornings cold with reduced visibility, prompting authorities to advise continued caution.
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