Patna: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an Orange Alert for 17 districts of Bihar as monsoon activity intensifies across the state, raising the likelihood of widespread rainfall, thunderstorms and strong winds over the coming days.
The renewed spell of monsoon rain is expected to provide relief from the intense heat that has affected large parts of Bihar in recent weeks, although humid conditions are likely to persist in several areas.
Rain And Strong Winds Forecast
According to the IMD, most parts of Bihar are expected to experience thunderstorms, lightning and wind speeds of 40 to 60 kmph during the next five days.
Heavy rainfall has been forecast for parts of the Seemanchal region.
On Sunday, districts including Araria, Kishanganj, Supaul, Katihar, Purnia, Madhepura and Saharsa are expected to receive heavy rainfall. Rain has also been forecast for several other districts, including Patna, Nalanda and Jehanabad.
Rain Brings Relief In Several Districts
Weather conditions changed across several districts on Saturday as rain ended a prolonged spell of hot and humid weather.
Heavy rainfall was reported from Khagaria, Begusarai and Banka, while Nalanda, Muzaffarpur, Bettiah and Madhubani also received showers.
Cloudy skies and strong winds preceded the rainfall in many places. In Muzaffarpur, around an hour of rain resulted in waterlogging in several localities.
Patna, however, continued to experience hot and humid conditions for much of the day.
Temperatures Remain High
Despite the changing weather, maximum temperatures crossed 41°C in three districts.
Kaimur recorded the state’s highest maximum temperature at 41.7°C, followed by Buxar at 41.2°C and Sheikhpura at 41.1°C.
Forecast For The Coming Days
The IMD has forecast cloudy skies over Patna on Sunday, with intermittent light rain or drizzle and the possibility of moderate to heavy rainfall in some parts of the city.
Maximum temperatures are expected to fall by around 2 to 3 degrees Celsius following the rain, although humidity is likely to remain high.
For June 29, the department has forecast cloudy skies over South Bihar, including Patna, with light to moderate rainfall, while some districts in North Bihar could receive heavy showers.
On June 30, heavy rainfall is expected in Araria, Kishanganj and Supaul, with rain also likely in Patna, Nalanda, Jehanabad, Gaya, Vaishali and Lakhisarai.
Monsoon Activity Expected To Strengthen
Meteorologists said the increase in rainfall is being driven by continuous moisture inflow from the Bay of Bengal and the strengthening of the monsoon system over eastern India.
They expect moderate rainfall across most parts of Bihar over the next three to four days, with isolated heavy rainfall in some districts.
If the current pattern continues, officials said the state could significantly reduce its monsoon rainfall deficit in the coming weeks.
