The state of Bihar is still languishing in intense cold, and it does not look like relief will come. There are several areas in the state where the night temperature has been recorded to be frigid, and Bhagalpur has been the coldest area, with the mercury recorded to be 6.5°C. Overall, there were at least seven districts that reported the temperature under 8°C, indicating that the state remains under the winter cold.
The cold has made its mark on the daily living situations, particularly in the north and eastern districts, where people are experiencing chilly mornings and cold nights. Other districts with low temperatures of sub-8°C are Madhubani, Samastipur, Vaishali, Patna, Nalanda and Jehanabad. The temperatures during the day might increase slightly due to the winter sun, but the nights are severe, and it is necessary that precautions are taken by the people, especially children, elderly people and those who are not healthy.
According to meteorologists, dry north-westerly winds blowing in north and central Asia are causing the cold wave in Bihar that delivers low temperatures in the plains. There is also the fact that the night skies are clear, and this means that the heat is lost, and this further lowers the mercury levels at night. Thick early morning mist has also been reported in various districts, leading to poor visibility and traffic jam in the highways and on the local roads.
The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has also recommended that residents be extra careful during the cold spell that is currently being experienced. Governments have encouraged the people of the world to dress up warmly, operate heating systems carefully and to make sure that the animals and the less fortunate are not exposed to the severe cold temperatures. Local governments and schools are closely observing the situation and sending weather warnings to reduce the health hazards.
Besides the health concern, transportation and agriculture have also been affected by the cold wave. Smokey mornings cause low visibility on the roads and railways, and low temperatures affect rabi crops and winter vegetation, which is in a standing condition. The farmers are advised to take precautionary action for the sensitive crops and animals.
Projections indicate that, though the slight warming can be experienced in certain regions in the near future, the cold wave is likely to continue in many districts, especially during the night and morning. It is suggested that the residents should keep up to date on the daily forecasts of the weather and schedule their travel appropriately.
To conclude, the state of Bihar is still under the severe chill of winter, and Bhagalpur registered the lowest temperature at 6.5°C. The constant cold wave is still affecting daily life, health, and travelling, and the government is reminding citizens to take the required precautions.
