Patna: A fresh spell of intense heat has gripped Bihar, prompting the India Meteorological Department (IMD) to issue a red alert for heatwave conditions in five districts of South Bihar on Thursday.
At the same time, forecasts indicate thunderstorms, rain and lightning activity across 27 districts in other parts of the state, including Patna.
Officials warned that temperatures in parts of South Bihar could touch 45C over the next 24 hours as hot and dry conditions intensify.
Red Alert For Severe Heatwave In South Bihar
The IMD issued a red alert for the following districts:
- Buxar
- Bhojpur (Arrah)
- Kaimur (Bhabhua)
- Rohtas (Sasaram)
- Aurangabad
According to the weather department, these districts are likely to experience severe heatwave conditions accompanied by extremely high daytime temperatures.
On Wednesday, Kaimur emerged as the hottest district in the state, recording a maximum temperature of 43.4C.
Other districts witnessing intense heat included:
- Dehri in Rohtas district – 43C
- Aurangabad – 41.5C
- Chapra – 40.2C
Meteorologists said temperatures across most districts rose by 1C to 3C on Wednesday.
Storm And Rain Alert Across 27 Districts
While southern Bihar faces scorching heat, large parts of eastern, northern and central Bihar are expected to witness unstable weather conditions.
The IMD issued a yellow alert for:
- Patna
- Bhagalpur
- Purnia
- Muzaffarpur
- Darbhanga
- Samastipur
- Madhubani
- Gaya
- Nawada
- Banka
- Araria
- Kishanganj
- Katihar
- Sitamarhi
- Sheohar
- Vaishali
- Nalanda
- Jehanabad
- Sheikhpura
- Begusarai
- Lakhisarai
- Munger
- Khagaria
- Saharsa
- Madhepura
- Jamui
- Supaul
Officials said these districts could experience:
- Strong winds reaching speeds of 40–50 kmph
- Thunderstorms
- Light to moderate rainfall
- Lightning strikes in isolated areas
Residents have been advised to remain cautious during adverse weather conditions and avoid open spaces during lightning activity.
Patna Records Sharp Rise In Temperature
The state capital, Patna, also experienced oppressive heat on Wednesday amid strong sunshine and humid conditions.
Patna’s maximum temperature rose by 2.1C to reach 38.4C.
Other districts recording significant temperature increases included:
- Bhagalpur – 37.1C
- Gaya – 39.2C
- Nalanda – 38C
- Arwal – 38.6C
- Sheikhpura – 39C
- Buxar – 39.9C
- Motihari – 37.6C
- Darbhanga – 35.8C
- Munger – 36.4C
- Purnia – 36.2C
- Supaul – 36.6C
- Forbesganj – 37.2C
Weather officials said the combination of heatwave conditions in western districts and moisture-driven instability in eastern Bihar was contributing to sharply contrasting weather patterns across the state.
