Patna: Temperatures across Bihar, including the capital Patna, are currently running three to four degrees Celsius above normal, prompting concerns that the state could face an unusually early heatwave this year.
Weather data analysis suggests the heatwave may arrive as early as the end of March — nearly a month ahead of the typical schedule. If that happens, it could break a pattern that has held for more than 15 years.
A heatwave is generally declared when temperatures reach or exceed 40C in the plains. Since 2011, the highest temperature recorded in March was 39.6C, registered in 2021.
Meteorologists say a combination of global and local factors is contributing to the sharp rise in temperatures. Changes in sea surface temperatures associated with the La Niña–El Niño cycle, along with decreasing vegetation cover in parts of the region, are pushing up the heat index during March.
If the current trend continues, forecasters warn that the mercury could cross 40C by the final week of the month.
According to the India Meteorological Department’s Patna centre, dry and hot northwesterly winds are currently prevailing over the state. With no active weather systems in place to trigger rainfall, skies have remained largely clear.
The absence of clouds and precipitation is allowing direct solar radiation to heat the ground more intensely, leading to a rapid rise in daytime temperatures.
Forecasts indicate that temperatures in many districts could reach 36C to 38C next week. If the prevailing conditions persist, the mercury may approach the 40C mark toward the end of March.
