Muzaffarpur in Bihar is gripped by a severe cold wave, with dense fog blanketing the city from dawn till late morning and biting westerly winds (pachhua hawa) intensifying the chill. Minimum temperatures have plummeted to 9°C, turning daily life into a struggle as streets empty out after dusk and visibility drops dangerously low.
Cold wave disrupts normal life in Muzaffarpur
The combination of heavy fog and piercing cold winds has severely impacted Muzaffarpur’s routine. Even as daytime temperatures hover around 22-23°C, the chill factor makes it feel much colder, with residents experiencing “night-like cold” even during afternoons.
Key impacts include:
- Roads turn deserted: After sunset, streets wear a deserted look as people rush indoors to escape the bone-chilling wind.
Morning chaos: Dense fog reduces visibility to near zero, slowing vehicles to a crawl and causing delays for commuters, school buses and daily wage workers.
Public transport hit: Trains, buses and two-wheelers struggle through the haze, with drivers using headlights even in daylight.
Visuals from across Muzaffarpur show people huddling around bonfires (alav) at street corners, bus stands and markets – the primary source of warmth in the absence of widespread heating facilities.
Temperature plunge and weather forecast
Muzaffarpur’s minimum temperature has fallen to 9°C, while maximums have dropped by about 2°C compared to previous days. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) attributes this to:
High humidity (over 90%) trapping moisture and preventing daytime warming, creating “cold day” conditions.
Calm winds and surface moisture leading to persistent fog formation.
IMD Forecast & Alerts:
Temperatures may dip further, with some areas in Bihar already recording 5-8°C.
Orange/Red alerts issued for Muzaffarpur and 26 other districts for fog and cold day conditions.
Relief unlikely before December 23-24.
People turn to bonfires for relief
With temperatures consistently below 10°C at night, Muzaffarpur residents are relying heavily on community bonfires as their main defence against the cold. Common scenes include:
- Groups of men, women and children gathering around fires at chai stalls, markets and open grounds.
- Labourers and street vendors keeping warm between work shifts.
- Schoolchildren waiting for buses in the fog-shrouded mornings.
While effective, health experts warn against excessive smoke exposure from wood fires, recommending warm clothing, hot fluids and indoor precautions instead.
Administration’s response and safety measures
Muzaffarpur district administration has swung into action:
Disaster management cells on high alert across urban and rural areas.
Instructions to schools for early dismissals and warm clothing advisories for children.
IMD Safety Tips:
- Drive cautiously in fog; use fog lights and maintain distance.
- Wear multiple layers, cover head/ears, stay hydrated.
- Avoid unnecessary night travel; vulnerable groups (elderly, children) should stay indoors.
Broader Bihar cold wave context
Muzaffarpur is part of a statewide cold spell affecting all 38 districts, with cold day alerts in 12-27 districts. Similar conditions reported in:
- Patna: Min 9°C, Max 22°C
- Gopalganj, Siwan: Dense fog, bonfires everywhere
- Bhagalpur, Gaya: Temps dipping to 8°C
- North Bihar districts under red alert for extreme fog.
This December is proving harsher than last year, with experts predicting the peak winter phase ahead.
Health and travel advisories
Health Risks from prolonged exposure:
- Common cold, respiratory issues, hypothermia in vulnerable groups.
- Fog-related accidents up due to low visibility (1-2 km reported).
Travel Precautions:
When will relief arrive?
IMD predicts gradual improvement from December 23, but north Bihar (including Muzaffarpur) may see prolonged fog till end of month. With Christmas/New Year approaching, residents are urged to plan outdoor activities carefully.
Stay Updated: Follow IMD Patna, Muzaffarpur DM office Twitter/Facebook for real-time alerts. Download weather apps for hyper-local forecasts.
Muzaffarpur’s cold wave reminds us of Bihar’s harsh winters – stay warm, stay safe!