Patna: Weather conditions across Bihar remained unstable on Friday, with the India Meteorological Department issuing a yellow alert for thunderstorms, rain and gusty winds in 33 districts. The department has warned that pre-monsoon activity will keep the weather volatile across the state till May 2, with the possibility of lightning strikes and wind speeds reaching up to 40 km/h.
Early morning showers were reported from Bagaha, while Patna and several other cities witnessed overcast skies. According to the Meteorological Centre, the changing weather pattern is likely to bring relief from the prevailing heatwave, with a noticeable dip in temperatures across many regions.
In the past 24 hours, several districts including Nawada, Lakhisarai, Jamui and Sheikhpura experienced thunderstorms accompanied by rainfall. Cloud cover persisted in Patna and adjoining areas. However, severe weather incidents earlier this week turned fatal, with at least 11 deaths reported on Wednesday due to storm-related accidents.
Among the incidents, two deaths each were reported in Patna and Bettiah. In Sitamarhi, a man died after a tree fell on him ahead of his sister’s wedding. In Saran district, a woman lost her life after being struck by a tin sheet blown away by strong winds. A collision involving a Dial 112 police vehicle and a truck during the storm left four police personnel injured. Separate incidents of wall and structure collapses in Saran and Jehanabad also left several people injured.
Infrastructure damage was also reported from multiple districts. In Bhojpur, the Mahuli pontoon bridge broke into three parts, leaving a car stranded overnight. Houses collapsed in Supaul, while power supply was disrupted in several areas after electric poles were uprooted by strong winds. In Buxar, heavy rainwater flooded a wedding venue.
The weather shift has brought down temperatures significantly. While several districts had recorded maximum temperatures above 40°C in recent days, the mercury has now dipped. The Meteorological Centre has forecast a further drop of 2 to 3 degrees Celsius in maximum temperatures over the next 24 hours, followed by a gradual rise of 3 to 4 degrees in the subsequent 48 hours. Minimum temperatures are also expected to increase by 3 to 4 degrees during this period.
On Thursday, Patna recorded strong winds reaching up to 89 km/h, resulting in a temperature drop of nearly 5 to 6 degrees. The maximum temperature in the capital settled at 29.7°C. Bhabua remained the hottest place in the state at 33.3°C, followed by Gaya at 33.2°C and Rajgir in Nalanda at 33.0°C. Madhubani recorded the lowest temperature at 17.8°C. Rainfall data showed Rajgir receiving 17.5 mm of rain, while Supaul recorded the highest at 37 mm.
For Patna, the forecast indicates cloudy skies with chances of light rain and strong winds through the day. Thunderstorms with lightning are expected during the evening and night hours, while overall conditions are likely to remain moderate, providing relief from heat.
The Meteorological Centre attributed the ongoing weather activity to active pre-monsoon conditions, influenced by moisture-laden winds from the Bay of Bengal and a western disturbance. These factors have created atmospheric instability, leading to widespread thunderstorms and rainfall across Bihar. The weather is expected to stabilise gradually between May 5 and May 6, although rainfall is likely to continue in Seemanchal districts, including Katihar, Purnia and Kishanganj, on May 2.
