The mercury plummeted below the 8-degree mark for the first time this winter in the city as cold north-westerly winds continue to add chill factor to the crisp weather in the region.

Things would be better next week with sunshine throughout the days except foggy mornings as predicted by the weathermen. Citizens can also expect high temperature of around 22-23 degrees Celsius, fairly comfortable for the day and morning, while the minimum to hover around 8 degrees Celsius.

Besides, there is no cold wave in the offing as the Met office has said weather in the region would continue to remain the same for the next few days.

"We do not expect any sharp drop in temperature - minimum as well as maximum - on most days in the coming week as the prevailing weather conditions are not expected to change much. Though northerly winds are adding to the chill factor but the moist and comparatively warmer easterly winds are keeping a tab on the day (maximum) temperature," said Ashish Sen, director, Patna meteorological centre.

Though winter was comparatively warmer during the initial weeks this year but mercury started plummeting from around December 12 because of snowfall in the upper Himalayan region.

"Though the northerly continues to add to the chill factor in Bihar but absence of fresh snowfall in the upper Himalayan region is averting sharp plunge in temperature," said a senior meteorologist in Patna.

Most districts are showed crisp and clear skies the past week - characteristic of winter.