Two Extremes Striking Bihar at Once
Bihar is caught in a rare meteorological bind where two opposite weather systems are active at the same time. Monsoon-driven storms are bearing down on the state's northern and eastern districts, while the south-western areas are enduring a punishing heatwave. The Patna Meteorological Centre has officially confirmed heatwave conditions at four major stations, with some cities recording temperatures as much as 6 degrees Celsius above seasonal norms. That the second half of June is seeing such extremes has added to the misery of residents already struggling with oppressive heat and humidity.
Heavy Rain and Lightning Warning for These Districts
The IMD has placed Araria, Katihar, Sitamarhi and Supaul districts under a heavy rain and thunderstorm alert for June 22, 2026. Intense lightning and thunder are expected at one or two locations in each of these districts, with wind gusts forecast at 50 to 60 kilometres per hour. The strong winds raise the risk of falling trees and disrupted electricity supply across affected areas.
Storm Alert Extended to More Districts
Residents of Kishanganj, Madhepura, Purnia and Saharsa, as well as those in districts across south-central and south-east Bihar, have also been warned about lightning strikes, thunderclouds and wind speeds of 50 to 60 kilometres per hour. The IMD has issued special advisories urging people in all these areas to exercise extra caution and limit unnecessary outdoor activity during the storms.
Chhapra Marks Third Straight Heatwave Day
Chhapra is bearing the worst of the heat, recording its third consecutive heatwave day. The maximum temperature there reached 41.5 degrees Celsius, which is a full 6.0 degrees above the normal for this time of year. The highest temperature recorded anywhere in the state was at Kaimur (Bhabhua), where the thermometer hit 41.6 degrees Celsius, 4.8 degrees above normal. Both Kaimur and Dehri experienced their first official heatwave day, with Dehri logging a maximum of 41.2 degrees Celsius, which is 5.0 degrees above the seasonal normal.
The state capital Patna also recorded its first heatwave day, with the mercury climbing to 40.9 degrees Celsius, 5.6 degrees above normal. Several other districts crossed the significant 40-degree mark: Gaya at 40.2°C, Buxar at 40.6°C and Aurangabad at 40.1°C. Across all these areas, temperatures have pushed heat and humidity to extreme levels.
When Will Relief Arrive
According to the Patna Meteorological Centre's forecast, heatwave conditions may persist at one or two locations in south-western Bihar on June 22 as well. The encouraging news is that maximum temperatures are expected to gradually drop by 2 to 3 degrees Celsius over the three days that follow, which should bring some welcome relief from the scorching conditions gripping these districts.
Yellow Alert Out, Doctors Share Key Safety Advice
The IMD has issued a yellow alert and urged the elderly, young children and those with pre-existing health conditions to take special precautions. Doctors and scientists have shared the following guidance:
- Avoid direct exposure to sunlight between 12 noon and 3 PM.
- Cover your head with a cloth or cap whenever stepping outside.
- Stay hydrated with ORS, lassi, buttermilk, lemon water or rice water (lorni), even if you do not feel thirsty.
