Patna: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a heatwave alert for 10 districts in Bihar, warning of intense hot winds and soaring temperatures across several regions. According to the weather office, maximum temperatures in parts of northwest, southwest, and south-central Bihar are expected to cross 40°C or remain up to 4 degrees above normal over the next three days.
Meteorologists said the prevailing dry westerly winds are driving the heatwave conditions in the state. A lack of moisture combined with strong solar radiation is causing rapid heating of the land surface. The continued influence of ‘pachhua’ (westerly) winds is further reducing humidity levels, leading to a steady rise in temperatures.
No immediate relief is expected, as the IMD has ruled out any chances of rainfall or thunderstorms in the coming days. Experts have advised residents to avoid stepping out during peak afternoon hours, stay hydrated, and take precautions against heat exposure.
Ground reports from Wednesday highlighted the severity of the heat. In Begusarai, schoolchildren were seen covering their heads as they returned home under the scorching sun. In Patna, parents used umbrellas to shield children from the harsh sunlight after school hours, while others were seen consuming cold beverages to cope with the heat.
The capital city recorded a maximum temperature of 41.2°C in the past 24 hours. The IMD has forecast that temperatures in Patna are likely to remain between 41°C and 43°C over the next few days, making daytime conditions particularly harsh. Even nighttime temperatures are not expected to drop significantly, offering little respite.
Weather data suggests that April 2026 could turn out to be the hottest in the past five years for Bihar. While temperatures between 42°C and 44°C have been recorded in previous Aprils, the early spike this year has raised concerns. Buxar recorded an unusually high temperature of 44.4°C in the third week of April, which experts consider abnormal.
Regions such as Buxar, Gaya, Aurangabad, and Dehri, traditionally known for high temperatures, are witnessing a more widespread and intense heatwave this season. If the current trend continues, officials warn that the state could experience one of its most severe April heatwaves in recent years.
