Patna: Bihar is likely to experience below-normal rainfall during June, raising concerns about prolonged heatwave conditions and humid weather across the state, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD).
Meteorologists have forecast a mixed weather pattern for the month, with scattered spells of rain in some districts but generally hot and dry conditions expected across much of Bihar, including the capital, Patna.
The average rainfall for June in Bihar is 163.3mm, according to the Patna Meteorological Centre. However, forecasters expect precipitation to remain below this level in many areas.
Heat And Humidity Expected To Persist
The IMD has projected maximum temperatures between 35C and 37C across most parts of the state during June.
Weather experts said the combined influence of westerly and easterly winds is likely to create humid conditions, increasing discomfort levels even when temperatures remain below peak summer highs.
Minimum temperatures are also expected to stay above normal, meaning residents may experience warm and humid nights in addition to daytime heat.
Heatwave and hot-day conditions are likely to continue in parts of southern Bihar, where temperatures have remained particularly high in recent weeks.
Rainfall Likely In Northeastern Districts
Between June 5 and June 7, isolated rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms is expected in several northeastern districts, including Supaul, Araria, Kishanganj, Purnia, Katihar, Madhepura and Saharsa.
Outside these areas, weather conditions are expected to remain largely dry, with little relief from the heat.
Meteorologists said the limited rainfall activity is unlikely to significantly alter the broader temperature trend across the state.
May Brought Relief Through Excess Rainfall
The forecast for June follows an unusually wet May, when Bihar received significantly more rainfall than normal.
According to official data, the state recorded an average rainfall of 74.4mm during May, around 96% above the seasonal average.
Several districts registered substantial rainfall totals. Purnia recorded the highest rainfall at 272.7mm, followed by Bhagalpur with 209mm, Gayaji with 152.6mm and Patna with 135.6mm.
The rainfall helped moderate temperatures during parts of the month, providing relief from the intense heat that had affected several districts earlier in the summer.
Western Disturbances Influenced May Weather
Meteorologists attributed May’s frequent spells of rain and thunderstorms to a series of active western disturbances interacting with moisture-laden easterly winds from the Bay of Bengal.
Despite the wet conditions, parts of Bihar still experienced extreme heat during the month. Dehri recorded the state’s highest temperature of 46C on May 25, while Patna registered a maximum temperature of 41.6C on May 23.
With rainfall expected to decline in June and temperatures forecast to rise again, residents may have to prepare for another prolonged spell of summer heat before the monsoon becomes firmly established over the state.
