The monsoon has crossed into Bihar, but residents across the state will have to wait at least another 48 hours for the widespread downpours they are hoping for. Meteorologists say the monsoon trough line has not yet settled into a position that would allow uniform rainfall, splitting Bihar into two contrasting weather zones. North Bihar is seeing a gradual build-up of thunderstorm and rain activity, while several districts in the south remain locked in fierce heat and hot dry winds.
Yellow Alert for 19 North Bihar Districts
The meteorological center has issued a Yellow Alert covering 19 districts across North Bihar. These areas face a strong likelihood of thunder and lightning, along with light to moderate rainfall and gusts reaching 40 to 50 kilometres per hour. The Yellow Alert districts are Paschim Champaran, Purvi Champaran, Gopalganj, Siwan, Saran, Muzaffarpur, Vaishali, Sitamarhi, Sheohar, Darbhanga, Madhubani, Samastipur, Supaul, Araria, Kishanganj, Purnia, Katihar, Saharsa and Madhepura. Residents in these districts and adjacent areas have been urged to stay alert to rapidly shifting weather conditions.
Orange Alert in South and Central Bihar as Heat and Humidity Persist
The weather department has placed several South and South-Central Bihar districts under an Orange Alert. These include Patna, Nalanda, Gaya, Nawada, Sheikhpura, Lakhisarai, Jamui, Munger, Bhagalpur, Banka, Begusarai and Khagaria. Thunderstorms with strong winds and rain are expected across these areas, but hot and humid conditions are also likely to persist at multiple locations at the same time. Districts such as Gaya and Nalanda have little prospect of quick heat relief for now.
Kaimur Peaks at 43°C, Patna Logs 40.8°C
On Thursday, eight Bihar districts recorded maximum temperatures above 40 degrees Celsius. Kaimur was the hottest district in the state, with the thermometer climbing to 43 degrees Celsius. Buxar and Aurangabad both recorded a maximum of 41.8 degrees Celsius. The state capital Patna was no exception, with the day's high reaching 40.8 degrees Celsius. Hot winds persisted through the afternoon in several districts, leaving residents exhausted and distressed. Light rainfall was, however, recorded in Khagaria and two other districts.
Heavy Rain on the Cards for Patna This Friday
Friday could bring a significant shift in weather for Patna. The department has placed the district under an Orange Alert, forecasting partially overcast skies throughout the day. Several parts of the city may experience showers accompanied by thunder and lightning. Meteorologists have also indicated the possibility of moderate to heavy rainfall in some parts of Patna, which should offer a degree of temperature relief to residents.
Full Monsoon Activation Expected After June 27
The weather department estimates that the monsoon system will become fully active across Bihar after June 27. Once that happens, good widespread rainfall is expected to arrive simultaneously across the entire state. This broad monsoon coverage should push maximum temperatures down by 2 to 3 degrees Celsius, delivering major relief from the oppressive heat and humidity. The final week of June and the opening days of July are expected to mark the start of sustained heavy rain statewide.
Why Is Monsoon Rainfall Still Uneven
The monsoon has reached most of Bihar, but the monsoon trough line has not yet aligned favorably enough for uniform rainfall across all districts. Moisture-laden winds from the Bay of Bengal continue to flow steadily into the state, and local weather systems are also gradually becoming active. The combined effect of these two factors is driving abrupt weather changes across many parts of Bihar, with the risk of intense thunder and lightning particularly elevated in South-Central and Eastern Bihar districts.
Safety Guidelines During Severe Weather
During thunderstorms and lightning, stay away from open areas and avoid tall trees, electricity poles and waterlogged zones. Go outside only when absolutely necessary to reduce the risk of being struck by lightning.
