Bihar Braces for Heatwave Amid Imminent Monsoon Onset Between June 13-18

Patna: The monsoon is expected to arrive in Bihar between June 13 and 18 this year, while Kerala will see an early onset on May 31, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) announced late Wednesday night. The usual date for the monsoon’s arrival in Kerala is June 1, but this year, it could come a day earlier. There is a margin of error of four days, meaning the monsoon could hit Kerala anytime between May 28 and June 3.

Meanwhile, many districts in Bihar are grappling with a severe heatwave. The IMD has issued a yellow alert for 12 districts, warning of no relief from the scorching sun and hot winds until May 18. Over the next five days, maximum temperatures are expected to rise by up to 2 degrees Celsius.

Seventeen districts, including the capital Patna, have seen temperatures soar past 40 degrees Celsius. Sheikhpura recorded the highest temperature in the last 24 hours at 43.3 degrees Celsius. On Wednesday, the maximum temperature increased by one to three degrees due to westerly winds, although Bettiah experienced light rain. However, the sun has been shining brightly since this morning.

The districts under yellow alert for the heatwave include Buxar, Bhojpur, Aurangabad, East and West Champaran, Gopalganj, Siwan, Saran, Kaimur, Rohtas, Arwal, and Gaya.

The IMD also noted that a cyclonic circulation is expected to form over the Bay of Bengal on May 19. This could impact the northern parts of Bihar, with most northern districts likely to experience light rainfall and thunderstorms between May 19 and 21.