Patna: Scorching westerly winds are sweeping across south Bihar, including the state capital Patna, with no respite from the heat expected for the next three to four days. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecasted hot weather conditions in 31 districts across the state today, while the remaining districts will experience normal weather.
The IMD has predicted that maximum temperatures in central and southern Bihar, including Patna, will hover between 40°C and 44°C over the next few days. The onset of the monsoon is anticipated between June 13 and June 15.
Rohtas emerged as the hottest district on Friday, recording a maximum temperature of 43.8°C. Other districts, including Gaya, Bhojpur, Arwal, Vaishali, Patna, Sheikhpura, Banka, and Rajgir, also experienced temperatures exceeding 40°C.
A heatwave is likely to affect one or two locations in the south-western part of the state on June 9. The north-western, north-central, south-eastern, and south-central regions may experience hot and humid conditions. Additionally, thunderstorms, accompanied by lightning and strong winds (30-40 km/h), are possible in the north-central and north-eastern parts.
On June 10, the heatwave may persist in the south-west, while hot and humid conditions will continue in the north-west, north-central, south-east, and south-central areas. Thunderstorms, lightning, and strong winds (30-40 km/h) may affect the northern, south-central, and south-eastern regions.
By June 11, thunderstorms with lightning and strong winds (40-50 km/h) are expected to occur in the northern, south-central, and south-eastern parts of Bihar. Western areas might also experience hot and humid conditions.
The IMD has also issued a seasonal forecast predicting over 45% above-normal rainfall for Bihar this year. Approximately 1,400 mm of rain is expected between June and September. While June and July may see below-average rainfall, August and September are forecasted to receive heavy rains due to the La Niña phenomenon, which typically brings increased rainfall to India during the monsoon season.
If these predictions hold true, Bihar could witness record rainfall this year, surpassing the significant rainfall recorded in 2019. That year, Patna saw a deluge in the last week of September, submerging areas such as Rajendra Nagar due to 34% above-normal rainfall, amounting to 1,363 mm.
