The monsoon has roared back to life across Bihar, and the India Meteorological Department has flagged fresh trouble for the state today. Most districts will stay under a blanket of clouds with light to moderate showers, while several pockets can expect thunder, lightning and squally winds blowing at 40 to 60 kmph along with heavy downpours. The department has urged residents to stay alert and move to safe shelter whenever the weather turns rough, and it has placed a total of 13 districts, including Kishanganj, Araria and Purnia, under a rain alert.
Where the impact will be felt the hardest
Forecasters say the northeastern belt and parts of south-central Bihar are likely to see the worst of the day's weather. This stretch covers Gaya, Nawada, Jamui, Munger, Banka, Bhagalpur, Saharsa, Madhepura, Supaul, Katihar, Purnia, Araria and Kishanganj, where heavy rain combined with thunder and gusty winds could cause real disruption. Some pockets may also see waterlogging on roads and disrupted traffic because of intense downpours, which means local authorities will need to stay on their toes.
Which areas will record the heaviest rainfall
The heaviest rain is expected to fall over a belt running through Jamui, Munger, Banka, Bhagalpur, Khagaria, Madhepura, Saharsa, Supaul, Katihar, Purnia, Araria and Kishanganj. Patna, Nalanda, Jehanabad, Gaya and Aurangabad are also likely to see a good spell of rain, with a few spots recording heavy showers. Meanwhile Begusarai, Samastipur, Madhubani and Darbhanga could also get a solid soaking, which may bring some relief to farmers ahead of paddy transplantation in those belts.
Districts facing the biggest thunderstorm and lightning threat
The lightning risk is considered highest today in Purnia, Araria, Kishanganj, Banka, Bhagalpur, West Champaran, East Champaran, Sheohar, Sitamarhi, Madhubani, Darbhanga, Samastipur, Vaishali, Muzaffarpur, Jehanabad, Nawada, Gaya, Nalanda and Patna. Wind speeds in these districts could touch 40 to 60 kmph, which is why the weather office has asked farmers working in open fields and anyone caught outdoors to exercise extra caution, since the combination of strong wind and lightning strikes can turn dangerous fast.
Where the heat and humidity will bite
Interestingly, not every part of the state will get relief from the rain. Western and southwestern districts such as Aurangabad, Rohtas, Kaimur and Buxar are likely to receive comparatively little rainfall, which means humidity will feel more oppressive there. Maximum temperatures in this belt could hover between 34 and 35 degrees Celsius, though the department has not flagged any chance of heatwave-like conditions building up.
Where the weather will feel most pleasant
On the flip side, residents of Valmikinagar, Bhagalpur, Darbhanga, Madhubani, Supaul, Katihar, Purnia, Araria and Kishanganj can look forward to a far more comfortable day. Persistent cloud cover, cool breezes and intermittent rain are expected to keep temperatures below normal in these districts, offering welcome relief from humidity and heat.
What the weather department is advising
The Patna weather office has appealed to people to avoid standing in open fields, farmland, under trees or near electric poles whenever thunder and lightning strike. It has also advised against unnecessary travel during heavy downpours and asked people to be careful on waterlogged stretches of road. In districts under a lightning warning, farmers have been told to immediately stop fieldwork and head to a safe location. With active weather expected to continue across several districts over the next 24 hours, officials are urging residents to keep track of updates from the local administration and the weather department so that any potential risk can be avoided in time.
