Patna: The southwest monsoon has become fully active across Bihar, bringing rain to several parts of the state and prompting the India Meteorological Department (IMD) to issue an orange alert for heavy rainfall in Patna and 12 other districts on Wednesday. A yellow alert has also been issued for 25 districts, where light to moderate rainfall is expected.
Early morning showers were reported from Begusarai, where cloudy skies prevailed and schoolchildren were seen heading to school with umbrellas. Muzaffarpur also woke up to overcast conditions after receiving widespread rainfall in several areas on Tuesday.
According to the IMD, most parts of Bihar are expected to remain under cloudy skies over the next five days, with rain likely in several districts. Wind speeds of 50 to 60 kmph may accompany the weather system, while temperatures are expected to drop by 2 to 3 degrees Celsius in many places.
During the past 24 hours, heavy rainfall was recorded in Khagaria, Samastipur, Sasaram and Jamui. In Aurangabad, a woman lost her life after being struck by lightning during the rain. Patna remained cloudy throughout Tuesday, providing relief from the heat despite humid conditions.
Kaimur recorded the highest maximum temperature in the state on Tuesday at 38.7°C, followed by Sasaram at 37.2°C. In contrast, areas that received rainfall witnessed a drop of 2 to 3 degrees Celsius. Patna recorded a maximum temperature of 32°C, with cool winds offering respite from the humidity.
Despite the recent improvement in rainfall activity, Bihar continues to face a significant rainfall deficit this monsoon season. According to the IMD, the state received 87.8 mm of rainfall between the onset of the monsoon and June 30, compared to the normal average of 163.3 mm for the same period. This represents a rainfall deficit of 46%.
However, rainfall activity intensified over the past 24 hours, with the highest precipitation recorded in districts of north and northeast Bihar.
The weather department has forecast cloudy skies over Patna from July 1 to July 4, with light to moderate rain expected during this period. Maximum temperatures are likely to remain between 32°C and 34°C.
On July 2, cloudy conditions are expected over Patna, Nalanda, Gaya, Jehanabad, Nawada, Bhojpur, Buxar, Rohtas, Aurangabad, Kaimur and adjoining districts, with rainfall likely at isolated places.
The IMD has advised residents to remain alert, especially in districts under the orange alert, and to take necessary precautions during thunderstorms, strong winds and lightning.
