Patna: The monsoon tightened its grip on Bihar this weekend, bringing showers, cooler air and a warning of heavier downpours to come. The meteorological department on Sunday issued a yellow alert for nine districts — Gayaji, Aurangabad, Saran, Bhojpur, Siwan, Arwal, Rohtas and Kaimur — cautioning residents to prepare for thunderstorms, lightning and winds of up to 40 kmph.
The warning follows a spell of light to moderate showers on Saturday that swept through 16 districts, including the capital Patna. Jehanabad recorded the state’s highest rainfall at 15.5mm, while temperatures dipped noticeably across the region. Begusarai registered the highest maximum at 34.5°C, while Valmiki Nagar cooled to a low of 24.2°C.
In Patna, grey skies and gusty winds marked Sunday morning, with meteorologists predicting more heavy rainfall through the day. On Saturday, the city collected 25mm of rain, accompanied by a drop of 2°C in both maximum and minimum temperatures. The shift offered some relief from the sticky heat that had lingered earlier in the week.
Officials said the monsoon activity is currently stronger in south Bihar than in the north, with no major fluctuation in state-wide temperatures expected for the next three days. Winds clocked between 30 and 40 kmph in Buxar on Saturday, underlining the volatility of the current weather system.
For farmers and city-dwellers alike, the rains are a mixed blessing: easing water shortages and cooling the air but raising concerns over waterlogging, power cuts and potential crop damage if the downpours intensify further.
With the monsoon still in full swing, officials urged residents in the alerted districts to remain cautious and avoid venturing out during heavy showers or thunderstorms.
