Patna: Weather conditions across Bihar changed dramatically on Friday as several districts witnessed thunderstorms, gusty winds, and rainfall amid strong pre-monsoon activity. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an alert for rain and thunderstorms across the state, bringing temporary relief from the intense summer heat.
In Patna, dark clouds covered the sky while strong winds swept through several parts of the city. Similar weather conditions were reported from Khagaria, Rohtas, Buxar, Aurangabad, Kaimur, Chhapra, and Siwan, where rainfall began early in the morning. Waterlogging was reported in low-lying areas after heavy showers.
In Buxar, dense black clouds turned morning into near-darkness before heavy rain lashed the district. Residents reportedly had to switch on vehicle headlights during daytime due to poor visibility. Strong winds accompanied the rainfall in several areas.
Khagaria witnessed heavy rain early in the morning, leading to knee-deep water accumulation on roads. Aurangabad also experienced intense rain and thunderstorms for over an hour, with reports of uprooted trees and waterlogging emerging from different parts of the district.
Rainfall activity was also reported in Rohtas, where thunderstorms and lightning alerts were issued. Kaimur witnessed rain with gusty winds and lightning from around 5 am. Madhubani recorded light rain and cool winds, while Gaya, Begusarai, Nalanda, and Bagaha remained under cloudy skies with chances of further showers during the day.
According to meteorologists, the current weather pattern indicates the beginning of pre-monsoon activity in Bihar. Typically, moisture from the Bay of Bengal starts entering the region during the last week of May and early June, triggering thunderstorms, rain, and strong winds.
Experts said that although the southwest monsoon has not officially entered Bihar yet, the prevailing conditions resemble a classic pre-monsoon pattern.
The Meteorological Department stated that continuous moisture inflow from the Bay of Bengal, combined with western disturbances and locally developed low-pressure systems, has created atmospheric instability across the state. This has resulted in cloud formation, rain, strong winds, and thunderstorm activity in multiple districts.
Officials added that rising daytime heat and humidity are also contributing to evening thunderstorms and lightning incidents.
Over the last 24 hours, Bihar recorded a maximum temperature of 39 degrees Celsius. However, cool winds and cloud cover reduced humidity levels in several districts, including Patna and Samastipur, despite intermittent sunshine.
The weather department has predicted that maximum temperatures across many parts of Bihar may drop by 2 to 4 degrees Celsius over the next three days, offering relief from the heatwave conditions. However, temperatures are expected to rise again by 3 to 5 degrees Celsius over the following four days, potentially increasing humidity and discomfort levels once again.
Meteorologists said intermittent rain and strong winds are likely to continue till the first week of June.
Meanwhile, the Patna district administration has extended the closure of schools for Classes 1 to 5 till June 2 due to prevailing heat conditions. District Magistrate Dr. Thyagarajan SM issued the order, while schools for Classes 6 to 8 have been instructed not to operate beyond 10:30 am under any circumstances.
