Patna: Bihar is witnessing sharply contrasting weather conditions, with scorching temperatures and hot winds gripping central and southern districts while rainfall and thunderstorms provide intermittent relief in parts of north and east Bihar.
The Patna Meteorological Centre has issued an Orange Alert for Thursday, warning of severe heat in 13 districts and thunderstorms accompanied by heavy rainfall in another 13 districts. Wind speeds of up to 60kmph are expected in areas affected by storms later in the day.
Heat Continues Across Southern Bihar
Hot and dry winds continue to affect districts including Patna, Gaya, Nalanda, Bhojpur, Rohtas, Aurangabad, Buxar and Kaimur, where residents are experiencing intense heat and humidity.
Kaimur recorded the state’s highest maximum temperature over the past 24 hours at 42.2C, while temperatures crossed the 40C mark in five districts.
The India Meteorological Department has forecast that hot conditions will persist across parts of south-western and south-central Bihar for at least the next 48 hours, with little immediate relief expected in districts such as Patna, Gaya and Nalanda.
Rain Brings Relief Elsewhere
In contrast, moisture-laden winds from the Bay of Bengal are bringing rainfall to north Bihar and the Seemanchal region.
Light rain was reported in Supaul and Kaimur on Thursday morning, while heavy rainfall lashed parts of Khagaria. Forecasters have warned that thunderstorms, lightning and strong winds could develop across several districts during the evening.
According to meteorologists, a trough extending across north Bihar, combined with moisture flowing inland from the Bay of Bengal, is creating favourable conditions for rain in eastern and northern parts of the state.
Monsoon Expected To Strengthen
The weather office expects monsoon activity to intensify after 27 June, leading to more widespread rainfall across Bihar.
As precipitation becomes more widespread, temperatures are forecast to fall by 2C to 3C, bringing relief from the prolonged spell of hot weather.
Meteorologists also expect favourable rainfall across most parts of Bihar between the last week of June and the first week of July.
Rainfall Deficit Raises Concerns
Despite the improving outlook, Bihar remains well below its normal rainfall for the month.
According to the Patna Meteorological Centre, the state has received 42.2% less rainfall than normal so far in June.
The rainfall deficit has begun affecting agricultural activity, particularly paddy transplantation in several districts, while prolonged hot and humid conditions continue to disrupt daily life.
In Patna, temperatures are expected to remain around 40C on Thursday. The sky is likely to remain partly cloudy, with the possibility of light rain in some areas during the evening or night.
The Meteorological Department has advised residents to remain alert to both the continuing heat and rapidly changing weather conditions, particularly in districts likely to experience thunderstorms and strong winds later in the day.
