Patna: Bihar is experiencing an unusually early spell of intense heat, with temperatures rising sharply even before March has properly set in. What was once a mild spring season lasting until mid-March appears to have given way to conditions more typical of April.
According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), temperatures across the state have climbed by as much as 12C within a month. While early February saw daytime temperatures ranging between 19C and 27C, many districts are now recording between 29C and 35C.
In Muzaffarpur, the mercury has risen from 21C to nearly 29C, while in Patna, daytime temperatures have surged from 21.8C to above 32C. Kaimur has recorded temperatures exceeding 34C in recent days, with most districts now crossing the 30C mark.
Meteorologists attribute the sudden rise to low humidity, persistent westerly winds and clear skies that allow direct solar heating of the ground. Weak western disturbances have reduced the influence of cooler air currents, leading to what officials describe as “dry heat” conditions across much of the state.
“Earlier, spring-like weather would continue until mid-March, but this year the heat has become evident by the end of February itself,” an IMD official said.
The department estimates that both day and night temperatures could rise by a further 1C to 3C over the coming days. If the current trend continues, some districts may see temperatures touch 38C to 40C by the first week of March — levels more commonly associated with peak summer.
Health experts have advised residents to stay hydrated and avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight, particularly during the afternoon hours. The early surge in temperatures, coming ahead of Holi, has raised concerns that this year’s summer may prove harsher than in recent years.
