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Bihar's Winter Crisis: IMD Warns of Temperature Drop Amid Pollution Surge

Bihar is facing a severe winter crisis with dropping temperatures and rising pollution levels. The IMD has issued warnings about temperatures falling by 2-4°C across the state. Pollution has reached hazardous levels in several districts, with Narkatiaganj recording an alarming AQI of 480. Health authorities advise residents to wear warm clothing and masks while avoiding outdoor activities during peak hours.

Key Points: Bihar Cold Wave and Pollution IMD Temperature Warning

  • IMD predicts 2-4°C temperature drop due to north-westerly winds
  • Narkatiaganj records hazardous AQI of 480, among state's highest
  • Rising pollution triggers respiratory issues and asthma cases
  • Dense fog reduces visibility to 600 meters, slowing traffic
  • Farmers alerted to protect crops from severe cold conditions
2 min read

Bihar battles cold, fog, and pollution; IMD warns about further drop in temperature

IMD warns of 2-4°C temperature drop in Bihar as pollution spikes, with Hajipur AQI at 212 and Narkatiaganj hitting hazardous 480 levels. Health alerts issued.

"Night temperatures in several districts may slip below 10 degreesC - IMD"

Patna, November 24

The onset of winters in Bihar has seen marked increase in fog as well as increase in pollution to alarming levels. The Meteorological Department has also issued a warning that minimum temperatures may fall by 2–4°C due to the north-westerly winds.

According to the IMD, night temperatures in several districts may slip below 10 degreesC, while dense morning fog is expected to reduce visibility to around 600 meters.

With the drop in temperature, air pollution levels have worsened across many parts of the state. Hajipur in Vaishali district--classified as an industrial belt--has once again emerged as one of the most polluted locations, recording an AQI of 212, making breathing difficult for residents.

Patna recorded a moderate pollution level with an AQI of 188 on Monday morning. In West Champaran's Narkatiaganj, the situation was far worse, with the AQI soaring to a hazardous 480, among the highest in the state.

Rising pollution levels have triggered an increase in cases of respiratory issues, asthma, and high blood pressure. The AQI in Hajipur, Patna, and Bhagalpur currently ranges from moderate to poor.

In Patna, temperatures dropped by 1-2 degreesC in 24 districts.

Forbesganj in Araria district registered the maximum temperature at 31.2 degreesC, while Kishanganj recorded the coldest night at 12.3 degreesC. Purnea, Gaya, and other districts of North Bihar saw limited visibility leading to slow traffic.

The IMD also indicated the formation of a low-pressure area in the Bay of Bengal, which may bring light rainfall over Bihar from November 27-28.

Despite mild daytime sunshine, maximum temperatures are expected to remain between 26 degreesC and 30 degreesC.

According to the Met Department, severe winter conditions are unlikely before the first week of December, though cold north-westerly winds will persist for the next three days. Citizens have been advised to wear warm clothing, use masks, and avoid early morning and late evening outdoor activities.

Farmers have been alerted to protect their crops, while travellers have been urged to drive cautiously in fog-prone areas.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rajesh Q
AQI 480 in Narkatiaganj? That's absolutely terrifying! We need immediate action on industrial pollution and better public transport to reduce vehicle emissions. This is becoming a health emergency in Bihar.
S
Sarah B
Just visited Bihar last week and the fog situation is really challenging for drivers. The visibility drops so suddenly - please everyone drive carefully and use fog lights. Safety first!
A
Arjun K
While the warnings are helpful, I wish the government would implement long-term solutions. Every year we face the same issues - pollution, fog-related accidents, and health problems. We need sustainable policies, not just annual warnings.
N
Nisha Z
My children are having breathing problems and we can't even send them out to play. This pollution crisis needs urgent attention. Time to seriously think about air purifiers for homes and schools.
M
Michael C
The temperature variation across districts is quite interesting - from 31°C to 12°C! Shows how diverse Bihar's climate can be. Stay warm everyone and take care of your health during this transition period.
K
Kavya N
As a doctor in Patna, I'm seeing a sharp rise in respiratory cases. Please wear masks properly, not just for COVID but for pollution too. Elderly and children should avoid morning walks until air

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