Patna: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a heavy rainfall alert for 10 districts of Bihar on Tuesday, while forecasting generally normal weather conditions in the remaining 28 districts. The department has also predicted that the southwest monsoon, which has weakened over the past few days, is likely to become active again from July 15 due to increased moisture from the Bay of Bengal.
Light to moderate rainfall was reported on Tuesday morning in parts of Khagaria, Katihar and Patna. Begusarai witnessed overcast skies, with rain expected later in the day. Early morning showers accompanied by strong winds around 3 a.m. brought relief from the heat in Khagaria, while the rising water level of the Ganga has begun affecting low-lying areas in the district.
According to the IMD, heavy rainfall is likely on July 14 in Sitamarhi, Muzaffarpur, Vaishali, Samastipur, Darbhanga, Supaul, Purnia, Katihar, Khagaria and Munger.
Orange Alert for July 15
An Orange Alert has been issued for July 15 for Kaimur, Buxar, Bhojpur, Rohtas, Aurangabad, Arwal, Jehanabad, Patna, Nalanda, Gaya, Nawada, Begusarai and Lakhisarai, with forecasts of widespread rainfall, thunderstorms, lightning and gusty winds reaching speeds of 30 to 40 kmph.
The IMD has warned that heavy rain is likely across several districts in north and west Bihar between July 15 and July 19, urging residents to remain cautious, especially in areas vulnerable to flooding and lightning.
Monsoon Deficit Remains High
Despite the expected revival, Bihar continues to face a significant rainfall deficit. During the current monsoon season, the state has received 161.2 mm of rainfall against the normal 301.5 mm, leaving it with a 47 percent rainfall deficit.
Weather Impact Across the State
Rainfall over the past 24 hours has caused localized disruptions in several districts.
In Bagaha, showers continued from Monday morning, while Siwan witnessed waterlogging inside the Sadar Hospital campus following overnight rain, causing inconvenience to patients and visitors.
In Raxaul, nearly 2 feet of water accumulated on the road connecting India and Nepal after heavy rainfall.
Meanwhile, continuous rainfall in Nepal has led to rising water levels in the Kosi River. On Monday morning, 1.44 lakh cusecs of water were released from the Kosi Barrage, prompting authorities to intensify surveillance along embankments.
Why Has the Monsoon Weakened?
According to meteorologists, the monsoon weakened because the monsoon trough shifted northwards towards the Himalayan foothills, away from Bihar. Additionally, the absence of a strong low-pressure system over the Bay of Bengal has reduced the inflow of moisture, resulting in limited rainfall across the state.
The reduced rainfall has led to persistent humidity and uncomfortable weather conditions in most districts.
Monsoon Likely to Revive Soon
Weather experts expect a new low-pressure area to form over the Bay of Bengal within the next two to three days. If the system strengthens, the monsoon trough is likely to shift southward again, increasing rainfall activity across Bihar from July 16-17 onwards.
The expected revival is likely to bring widespread rainfall to many districts, lower temperatures and provide relief from the prevailing humid conditions.
