Cold wave, icy winds grip Bihar
By IANSSunday, January 3, 2010
PATNA - A cold wave has gripped Bihar with icy winds sweeping across many parts of the state. Dense fog has also led to several long distance trains running late, officials said Sunday.
Most of the schools were to reopen after winter vacations Monday but the Patna district administration has extended the holidays by two days due to the cold wave.
People in rural areas also faced intense chill due to icy westerly winds blowing across the state.
Muzaffarpur district recorded a minimum temperature of 6 degrees Celsius Sunday morning while it was 7 degrees in Purnea and Kishanganj.
An official at the meteorological department here said Patna district recorded 8.8 degrees Celsius and added that the cold wave would continue in the coming days.
“There will be no respite from the cold wave. The westerlies blowing will keep the weather cold for the next two days at least,” the official said.
Heavy fog and poor visibility have also delayed long route trains, officials said.
While most people preferred to stay indoors, the poor were seen huddled around fires to keep themselves warm in the cloudy, foggy weather.
