Patna: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued Orange and Yellow alerts for several parts of Bihar, forecasting heavy rain, thunderstorms and lightning over the next 48 hours as the southwest monsoon remains active across the state.
Rainfall was reported from Bagaha, Madhepura and Supaul from Sunday morning, while heavy showers accompanied by thunder and lightning lashed parts of Patna late on Saturday night.
Heavy Rain Alert For 17 Districts
According to the IMD, 17 districts are under an Orange Alert for heavy rainfall, while 20 districts have been placed under a Yellow Alert.
The department has also warned of lightning strikes in the affected areas and said the impact of the active monsoon is expected to be most pronounced in south-central Bihar.
Heavy rainfall warnings have been issued for districts including Gaya, Nawada, Begusarai, West Champaran, Rohtas and Aurangabad.
The weather office has forecast a 2–4°C fall in maximum temperatures over the next 24 hours, with winds expected to reach 30–40 kmph during thunderstorms.
Rainfall Deficit Persists
Despite recent showers, Bihar continues to face a significant seasonal rainfall deficit.
According to the IMD, the state had received 206.8 mm of rainfall up to July 18, against the normal 371.7 mm for the period, leaving it with a 44% rainfall deficit.
Meteorologists, however, expect the active monsoon spell over the next two days to improve rainfall across several districts.
चेतावनी/Weather Warning for Next Seven Days pic.twitter.com/CDRzg9LSI2
— Mausam Bihar- IMD Patna (@imd_patna) July 18, 2026
Patna Likely To See Intermittent Rain
No major change in weather conditions is expected in Patna over the next four days.
The IMD has forecast intermittent cloud cover and occasional light rain, with maximum temperatures likely to remain around 34°C and minimum temperatures near 27°C. Humid conditions are expected to persist.
Lightning Safety Advisory Issued
The weather department has advised farmers to plan agricultural and irrigation activities in line with the forecast.
In areas expecting heavy rainfall, farmers have been urged to ensure proper drainage of excess water from fields.
Residents have also been advised to avoid open fields, agricultural land and sheltering beneath trees during thunderstorms. Authorities have warned people to stay away from weak trees, electricity poles and hoardings during strong winds.
Kosi In Spate, Villages Cut Off
Continuous rainfall in Nepal’s Terai region has caused water levels in the Kosi River to rise sharply.
Following the release of water from the Kosi Barrage, more than 20 villages in Darbhanga have been inundated, while six villages have been completely cut off by road, leaving boats as the only means of transport.
Residents said thousands of people remain stranded in their homes, relying on boats to reach markets, schools and hospitals. According to villagers, boat operators are charging Rs 40 per person for crossings.
Elsewhere in the state, heavy rainfall was reported on Saturday in Lakhisarai, Sheohar, Nalanda, Jamui, Katihar, Sasaram and Begusarai, following earlier downpours in Bagaha, Purnia, Araria, Buxar and Jehanabad. A farmer in Nalanda died after being struck by lightning, according to local reports.
