People enjoy a day out at Eco Park in Patna on Sunday. Picture by Deepak Kumar

Patna, Dec. 25: The skies were clear on the Christmas Day but the capital residents felt the chill in the morning as mercury dipped to 5.5°C, the lowest this winter. But the day was warm. The maximum temperature today was 21.5°C, optimum for outing on a holiday.

The Patnaites shivered after waking up and were iffy about their day’s plans. But as the hours passed, sunrays warmed up their spirit. And they were out to celebrate Christmas.

“When I woke up in the morning, it was very cold. I thought our outing plan would go for a toss. But as the sun came out, we decided to go for the picnic, as planned,” said Bharat Kumar, enjoying a day out with his wife and kids at Eco Park.

Those who did not step out enjoyed the warmth of the sun at their lawns or on rooftops. “With the sun out and the skies remaining bright throughout the day, the weather seemed really pleasant. Today being Sunday, I spent most of the afternoon hours on rooftop, enjoying the warmth of the sun,” said Anupam Sinha, a resident of Jagdeo Path.

A few health freaks felt the morning chill, though.

“I have not skipped my morning walks on any day this winter. Though there used to be dense fog in the morning in the past fortnight, the wind was not as cold as it was today. Now that the fog cover has receded, chilly breeze has started piercing the body,” said Ravi Ranjan, a resident of SK Puri.

Doctors had a word of caution for the capital residents venturing out of home early in the morning or returning late at night.

“The day temperature is rising but even a short exposure to extreme low temperature in the night or in the morning can cause blood pressure-related ailments, cardiac arrest and stroke. Moreover, extreme low temperature condition and cold weather are not good for children and senior citizens, who usually have weak immunisation system. Thus, as precautions, people should wear warm clothes. The intake of nutrients should be high and lukewarm water should be taken in the morning to increase immunity,” said Dr Rajiv Ranjan Prasad, the professor of physiology at Patna Medical College and Hospital.

People should take Prasad’s tips seriously because the weathermen have not predicted any major change in the prevailing conditions.

“As the low pressure and fog cover over Bihar and Uttar Pradesh have shifted, there is rise in the maximum temperature. The minimum temperature, on the other hand, is declining because the earth’s heat is moving up in the atmosphere. The maximum temperature would remain around normal during the next two-three days and the minimum temperature would hover below normal. Overall, the days would be warmer but the nights would be colder,” said Animesh Chanda, the director of Patna Met department.