Indo Gangetic plains in general and Uttar Pradesh and Bihar in particular, have plunged to single digit minimum temperature for the last 2-3 days. Mercury had earlier climbed to double digit in low teens giving a feel of receding winters. However, the winter chill has returned, albeit not as severe as earlier but still night temperatures have dropped by 4-5degree in some pockets.
Agra, Prayagraj, Lucknow, Kanpur, Fursatganj, Shahjahanpur, Moradabad, Bareilley, Meerut, Najibabad, Varanasi, Gaya, Patna, Agriculture University and Purnea have recorded under 10degree of minimum temperatures. Strong breeze across the region has raised the chill factor in the morning hours.
Eastern parts of the country covering Bihar, Jharkhand and West Bengal have remained completely dry this winter season. Adjacent subdivision of East Uttar Pradesh is large deficit and even West Uttar Pradesh is rain starved during the winter months, so far. Minimum temperatures are likely to ease out over the next 3-4 days on account of easterly winds. Yet, mild winter chill will make a come back, thereafter.
Absence of rains is depleting the atmospheric and sub soil moisture. Day temperature are still in the comfort range of low and mid 20's. Lack of precipitation and fair amount of sunshine will lead to rise in temperature towards end of this month and more so in March. Heat stress is likely to rise and may be hurtful for the crops. The weather conditions during this season is in complete contrast to the previous year. January and February 2022 were rainiest, more so for Bihar and Jharkhand. However, chances are bleak of having any measurable rainfall over the states of Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and Jharkhand during the month of February.