Bihar continues to battle an intense cold wave, with a sharp fall in both day and night temperatures severely affecting normal life across the state. Dense fog, biting winds, and rising air pollution levels have compounded the situation, forcing people indoors and disrupting transport and routine activities. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has warned that the cold spell is likely to persist until December 22, with temperatures expected to dip further.

The IMD has issued a red alert for 12 districts in North Bihar, cautioning residents against extremely dense fog and severe cold conditions. The worst-affected districts include West Champaran, East Champaran, Sitamarhi, Sheohar, Madhubani, Darbhanga, Muzaffarpur, Samastipur, Vaishali, Saran, Siwan, and Gopalganj. Visibility in these areas is expected to remain dangerously low, especially during morning and night hours.

In addition, a yellow alert has been issued for 24 districts, including Patna, Gaya, Bhagalpur, and Purnea, warning of cold-day conditions. While these regions are experiencing comparatively milder conditions, fog and low temperatures are still impacting daily life. Continuous westerly winds have further intensified the chill, increasing discomfort for residents.

Also Read: Red Alert in Delhi as Very Dense Fog Reduces Visibility to Zero

The persistent fog cover has led to poor visibility on roads, resulting in traffic disruptions and accidents. In one such incident, four police personnel, including a DSP and an inspector, were injured when their vehicle collided with a truck in Kaimur district’s Mohania block on Friday night. One of the injured officers was reported to be in critical condition and was referred to Varanasi for advanced treatment.

To mitigate the impact of the cold wave, school timings have been modified in several districts to ensure children’s safety. Authorities have urged people to use adequate protection against cold, avoid unnecessary travel during early morning and late-night hours, and remain alert to weather advisories. The IMD has cautioned that weather conditions may worsen over the next few days, particularly in central and southern parts of the state.

Also Read: IMD Issues Red Alert as Deep Depression Batters Chennai, Thiruvallur with Heavy Rain