Patna: The southwest monsoon has become active across Bihar, with rainfall activity expected to intensify from Tuesday. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an orange alert for 27 districts, warning of heavy rainfall accompanied by strong winds of 30–40 kmph.
Several parts of the state, including Khagaria and Jamui, received steady rainfall on Tuesday morning, while cloudy conditions prevailed in Samastipur and Katihar. The weather department has forecast heavy rain in districts such as Patna, Nalanda, Arwal and Jehanabad on Tuesday, with widespread and intense rainfall expected across Bihar from July 1.
The renewed monsoon activity is likely to bring relief from the prevailing heat, with maximum temperatures expected to fall by 3–4 degrees Celsius in many parts of the state.
Four Die in Lightning Incidents
Even as the monsoon gains momentum, lightning-related incidents claimed four lives across Bihar on Monday.
Two people died in Sitamarhi, where more than 24 others reportedly sustained burn injuries due to lightning strikes. A 15-year-old girl lost her life after being struck by lightning in Munger, while another woman was killed in Bakhtiyarpur in Patna district.
Authorities have urged residents to remain indoors during thunderstorms and follow weather advisories to avoid lightning-related accidents.
Rainfall Recorded Across Several Districts
During the past 24 hours, rainfall was reported from Banka, Bettiah, Bagaha, Katihar, Khagaria, Chhapra, Rohtas, Kaimur, Muzaffarpur, Gopalganj, Ara, Saharsa, Madhubani, Darbhanga and Buxar.
In Patna, the weather changed significantly after several days of hot and humid conditions. Bright sunshine in the morning gave way to dark clouds, gusty winds and light showers in parts of the city, bringing noticeable relief from the heat.
Temple Dome Damaged by Lightning in Darbhanga
A lightning strike damaged the dome of the Jaleshwarnath Mahadev Temple in Horalpatti village of Darbhanga during heavy rain and thunderstorms on Monday.
Around 25 devotees were inside the temple when the lightning struck the dome. Fortunately, no injuries were reported. The impact damaged the upper portion of the temple and triggered panic among devotees before local residents gathered at the site.
Weather Outlook
According to the IMD:
- June 30: Heavy rainfall is likely in Patna, Nalanda, Bhojpur, Arwal, Jehanabad and several adjoining districts, with temperatures expected to drop by up to 4°C.
- July 1: Thunderstorms, gusty winds and moderate to heavy rainfall are forecast for Patna, Gaya, Nalanda, Begusarai, Samastipur, Vaishali, Arwal, Aurangabad and nearby districts.
- Next Seven Days: Most parts of Bihar are expected to experience widespread rainfall along with winds ranging between 30 and 50 kmph.
The weather department has advised residents to remain alert, particularly during thunderstorms, as heavy rainfall and lightning activity are expected to continue across the state over the coming days.
