Rain in Kishanganj Offers Respite, Rest of Bihar Awaits Monsoon Breakthrough

Patna: The weather across Bihar is expected to remain normal today, with no rainfall predicted by the Meteorological Department. However, residents in several districts may experience discomfort due to humid heat, with the maximum temperature likely to hover around 40°C.

No heatwave alert has been issued for any part of the state, but the combination of high temperatures and humidity is likely to trouble people, especially in urban areas. In Patna and many other districts, the day began with bright sunlight and rising humidity levels.

In contrast, Kishanganj witnessed a spell of rain accompanied by strong winds on Thursday evening. Dark clouds had gathered over the district earlier in the day, offering temporary respite from the heat.

Monsoon Entry Still Uncertain

The arrival of the southwest monsoon in Bihar appears to be delayed, as it remains stalled in neighbouring West Bengal for the past six days. According to officials at the Patna Meteorological Centre, the monsoon’s progress is being hindered by strong westerly winds, while the easterly winds, crucial for monsoon advancement, have weakened.

“The westerly winds are currently dominant, preventing the easterly, moisture-laden winds from the Bay of Bengal from advancing. As a result, the monsoon is stuck in West Bengal,” a scientist from the Patna Met Centre explained.

This has created uncertainty over the exact date of the monsoon’s entry into Bihar, extending the wait for much-needed rains.

Temperature Snapshot

In the last 24 hours, weather remained largely stable across the state, except for Kishanganj, which saw rainfall. Meanwhile, other regions, including Patna, experienced sticky and oppressive conditions.

• Chhapra recorded the highest temperature at 37.3°C
• Darbhanga followed at 37.2°C
• Patna reported a maximum temperature of 36.1°C

Agricultural Impact Looms

The delay in monsoon rains is beginning to worry the farming community across the state. In many regions, paddy sowing and land preparation usually begin in early June. The absence of rain so far has stalled these activities.

Farmers are now hoping for the monsoon to pick up momentum soon, fearing that any further delay could impact the crop cycle and agricultural productivity.

The Met Department has indicated that unless there’s a shift in wind patterns, the current hot and humid conditions are likely to persist for the next few days. However, experts are monitoring the situation closely and remain hopeful that moisture-laden winds from the Bay of Bengal will regain strength, allowing the monsoon to advance into Bihar shortly.