Bihar's monsoon spell is set to intensify on Tuesday, with the India Meteorological Department warning of heavy rain, thunder and strong winds across the state's northern, north-eastern and eastern regions. Several districts also face a real risk of lightning strikes, prompting the weather office to urge people to stay alert whenever conditions turn stormy. A total of 18 districts, including Araria, Purnia and Katihar, are expected to see thunderstorm activity and rainfall today, and residents in these areas have been asked to take extra precautions.
The 18 districts on the rain alert list
According to the forecast, rain accompanied by thunder and strong winds is likely today in West Champaran, East Champaran, Gopalganj, Siwan, Saran, Vaishali, Muzaffarpur, Sitamarhi, Sheohar, Darbhanga, Madhubani, Supaul, Saharsa, Madhepura, Araria, Purnia, Katihar and Kishanganj. Some pockets within the Seemanchal and Mithilanchal belts could also record heavy rainfall. In practical terms, this means the danger in these districts isn't limited to rain alone, strong winds could also cause damage, so people working outdoors and farmers in particular need to be cautious.
Where the lightning risk is highest
The Patna meteorological office has specifically flagged Purnia, Katihar, Kishanganj, Araria, Supaul and Madhubani, all in north-eastern Bihar, as districts at risk of lightning strikes. When thunderclouds build up, the danger is greatest in open fields, farmland, near standalone trees and electricity poles, which is why the weather department has clearly advised people to stay away from these spots during stormy weather. Anyone working in the fields or travelling should look for solid, safe shelter the moment thunder starts rolling in.
Where the heat and humidity will peak
In Bihar's south-western and south-central belt, cloud cover won't bring any relief from the heat. Districts such as Kaimur, Rohtas, Aurangabad, Gaya, Nawada and Buxar could see maximum temperatures climb to around 33 to 35 degrees Celsius today. With rainfall activity limited here, humidity levels will also stay high. So while north-eastern Bihar battles rain and wind, people in the southern belt are likely to be dealing with sticky, uncomfortable heat instead.
The districts with the most pleasant weather
By contrast, Kishanganj, Araria, Purnia, Katihar, Supaul, Saharsa and Madhubani are expected to stay relatively cool and pleasant thanks to the rain. Maximum temperatures in these districts are likely to hover between 28 and 31 degrees Celsius. Continuous cloud cover and intermittent showers should give residents some relief from the humidity, even though it comes bundled with the risk of lightning.
Seemanchal, Kosi and Mithilanchal see the most active monsoon
The monsoon's strongest impact today is expected across the Seemanchal, Kosi and Mithilanchal regions. Kishanganj, Araria, Purnia, Katihar, Supaul, Saharsa, Madhubani and Darbhanga could see intermittent rain, thunder and strong winds continuing right through the day. Weather conditions in these areas are likely to keep shifting, so residents here should keep tracking updates throughout the day rather than relying on a single forecast.
Where conditions will be worst, and flooding risk
The worst weather in Bihar today is expected in Kishanganj, Araria, Purnia, Katihar, Supaul, Saharsa, Madhubani, Darbhanga, West Champaran and East Champaran. These districts could face all four risks together, heavy rain, strong winds, waterlogging and lightning. Low-lying areas may see water accumulation that disrupts traffic. That is why the Patna meteorological office has appealed to people to avoid unnecessary travel and to stay in safe, sturdy locations during bad weather.
How Monday's weather played out
On Monday, Patna, Bhagalpur, Purnia, Katihar, Kishanganj, Araria, Muzaffarpur and several nearby districts recorded light to moderate rainfall. Strong winds and thunder were also witnessed in many districts that day, which brought temperatures down and offered people some relief from the humidity. Tuesday's forecast suggests this spell is only going to intensify rather than ease off, particularly in the districts of north-eastern Bihar.
