Light to Moderate Rain Expected in Bihar Ahead of New Year

Riya Pandey

Patna: Bihar is set to experience light to moderate rainfall over the coming days due to a western disturbance, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD). The rains are expected to lead to a slight increase in temperature, followed by colder conditions. Dense fog is also anticipated in many areas, prompting the issuance of a yellow alert.

Rainfall is predicted to begin on December 27, with scattered showers in Buxar, Bhojpur, Rohtas, Bhabua, Aurangabad, and Arwal. On December 28, light to moderate rain is likely in Patna, Gaya, Jehanabad, Sheikhpura, Nalanda, Nawada, Begusarai, and Lakhisarai. By December 29, intermittent rainfall may extend to these districts and others, including Patna.

Meteorologists attribute the weather change to a western disturbance affecting the western Himalayas and adjoining plains, which will also impact Bihar. This disturbance is expected to bring not only rain but also a subsequent drop in temperature, increasing cold conditions in the state.

While the Meteorological Department had earlier predicted severe cold conditions by late December, the state has so far experienced higher-than-expected temperatures. A rise of 2–3°C in temperatures is anticipated before the rains, though colder weather is expected to follow.

On Tuesday, 26 cities across Bihar, including Patna, recorded a drop in maximum temperatures. However, Christmas morning was noted as one of the coldest of the season across the state. Despite this, no cold wave conditions have been reported so far this winter.

Residents are advised to prepare for foggy conditions and colder weather as Bihar enters the final days of 2024.