Heat Wave Alert: 21 Bihar Districts on Orange Alert as Sheikhpura Hits 44°C; 12 Districts Exceed 42°C

Patna: Bihar continues to reel under scorching temperatures with no relief in sight for the next week. The state is gripped by extreme heat and heatwaves, exacerbated by dry, hot north-westerly winds and intense sunlight from Rajasthan. Meteorological forecasts indicate a further increase of 2 to 4 degrees Celsius in maximum temperatures over the next three to four days, intensifying the heatwave conditions. The Meteorological Department has issued an orange alert for 21 districts of the state, warning residents to brace for severe heat.

Today, the Meteorological Department has issued heatwave warnings for several districts including Buxar, Kaimur, Rohtas, Bhojpur, Aurangabad, Arwal, Jehanabad, Gaya, Patna, Nalanda, Sheikhpura, Nawada, Lakhisarai, Begusarai, Sitamarhi, Shivhar, Darbhanga, Madhubani, Supaul, Araria, and Purnia. Residents are advised to stay indoors between 12 noon and 3 pm, as surface wind speeds are expected to reach 20-30 kilometers per hour, with gusts up to 40 kilometers per hour. Hydration is crucial during this period, with recommendations to drink ORS and homemade beverages such as lassi, torani (rice water), lemonade, and buttermilk.

Motihari experienced severe heatwave conditions for the first time this season, with Purnia, Darbhanga, Supaul, Sheikhpura, and Khagaria also witnessing intense heat. The combination of hot winds blowing at speeds of approximately 25 kilometers per hour and clear weather contributed to a rise in maximum temperatures by 1 to 2 degrees Celsius.