Patna: Monsoon rainfall has picked up pace across Bihar, with heavy showers and strong winds hitting several districts including Patna, Gayaji, and Jehanabad. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a four-day weather alert warning of further rainfall, thunderstorms, and gusty winds at 30–40 km/h across the state.
On Saturday, widespread rainfall brought relief from the sweltering heat but also raised concerns over flood threats as river levels continued to rise. The IMD attributed the intensified weather activity to the monsoon turf line passing through central Bihar.
Districts including Buxar, Kaimur (Bhabua), and Kishanganj recorded significant rainfall on Saturday. Patna, Sheikhpura, Aurangabad, Bhojpur, Gayaji, and several others also experienced heavy showers, with alerts for thunder and lightning in place.
The weather department has issued a yellow alert for 19 districts, while districts like Araria, Supaul, and Kishanganj are expected to receive more rainfall on Sunday. Gusty winds are also forecasted in Sitamarhi, Muzaffarpur, Vaishali, Darbhanga, and Khagaria.
Further rainfall is expected on July 28 and 29, with the IMD predicting thunderstorms in 24 districts on July 28 and statewide rainfall on July 29.
Due to continuous rain, river levels of the Ganga, Gandak, Kosi, and Budhi Gandak have risen significantly, crossing warning levels in some regions. The districts of Patna, Jehanabad, and Munger are particularly at risk. Authorities have ramped up monitoring in low-lying and riverine areas to prepare for potential flooding.
Despite the looming flood threat, state education authorities have announced that special classes will continue for over 15,000 students in 163 schools even during adverse weather, aiming to minimise disruptions to learning.
Residents are advised to remain indoors during thunderstorms and follow safety advisories issued by local authorities.
