Patna: Bihar is witnessing a stark contrast in weather conditions, with intense heat persisting in several districts while thunderstorms and rainfall continue to provide relief in others.
The slow progress of the southwest monsoon has resulted in below-normal rainfall across most parts of the state. However, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a yellow alert for 21 districts on Thursday, warning of rain, thunderstorms, and gusty winds reaching speeds of up to 50 kmph.
According to the weather department, a significant change in weather conditions is expected over the next 48 hours, which could bring respite from the prevailing heatwave-like conditions.
During the past 24 hours, rainfall was recorded in several districts, including Muzaffarpur and Lakhisarai. However, two people lost their lives in Araria after being struck by lightning during heavy rain.
Kaimur emerged as the hottest district in the state, recording a maximum temperature of 42 degrees Celsius. Temperatures crossed the 40-degree mark in eight districts.
Weather Likely to Intensify Across Bihar from June 19
The IMD has forecast a widespread increase in rainfall activity across Bihar beginning June 19. An orange alert has been issued for districts in north Bihar, while south Bihar remains under a yellow alert.
Heavy to very heavy rainfall is expected in East Champaran, West Champaran, and Sitamarhi. The department has also warned of thunderstorms and lightning across most districts in the state.
The spell of adverse weather is likely to continue on June 20. While yellow alerts remain in place for parts of north and south Bihar, several districts in central and eastern Bihar have been placed under an orange alert.
Heavy rainfall is expected in Bhagalpur, Banka, and Jamui during this period.
Rain Brings Relief in Several Districts
Residents in several districts experienced relief from the scorching heat as rainfall and strong winds swept across the region on Wednesday.
Madhubani witnessed thunderstorms accompanied by rain, while Muzaffarpur saw a sudden change in weather conditions with heavy showers after a spell of intense heat. Rainfall was also reported in Banka during the afternoon hours.
In Samastipur, dark clouds covered the sky, leading to unusually dim daytime conditions.
Why Has the Monsoon Slowed Down?
According to meteorologists, the slowdown in monsoon advancement is linked to unusual wind patterns in the upper atmosphere. The western jet stream has shifted further south than usual, disrupting the winds that typically help drive the monsoon system inland.
As a result, monsoon activity has weakened across Bihar. However, experts expect atmospheric conditions to normalise over the next few days, which could accelerate monsoon advancement and increase rainfall across the state.
Why Are Some Areas Receiving Rain While Others Face Extreme Heat?
Weather experts attribute the contrasting weather conditions to two key factors. First, the monsoon has not yet become uniformly active across Bihar.
Second, the uneven distribution of clouds and atmospheric moisture has led to rainfall in some districts, while others continue to experience intense sunshine and hot winds.
This disparity has created a situation where some regions are recording significant rainfall, while others are grappling with temperatures above 40 degrees Celsius.
Patna Weather Forecast
The weather department has predicted partly cloudy skies over Patna during the next 24 hours, along with strong winds and the possibility of light to moderate rainfall in isolated areas.
A slight drop in temperature is also expected, offering residents some relief from the heat.
