Patna: All districts of Bihar have been enduring relentless scorching temperatures for the past several days, with daytime temperatures soaring to 44 degrees Celsius. Similar conditions are expected to persist until May 2, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD). The air remains exceptionally dry, and the entire state is gripped by hot winds, prompting the department to issue an alert until the aforementioned date.
The IMD has advised residents to remain indoors between 1 pm and 3 pm, as Bhagalpur experienced severe heatwave conditions on Sunday. Additionally, Sheikhpura, Khagaria, Banka, and Nawada have also been affected by the heatwave.
On April 29, there is a likelihood of a heatwave in select areas of Aurangabad, Darbhanga, Motihari, Sheikhpura, Jamui, Banka, Gopalganj, Patna, Gaya, Bhagalpur, Purnia, and Khagaria districts, with the rest of the districts expecting hot weather. Over the next 48 hours, the maximum temperature in many districts is forecasted to rise by 2 to 3 degrees Celsius. On Sunday, Sheikhpura, Madhubani, Gopalganj, and Siwan recorded temperatures exceeding 43 degrees Celsius, with Sheikhpura hitting a high of 43.2 degrees Celsius.
Between 12 noon and 3 pm today, April 29, the Meteorological Department anticipates hot winds with speeds ranging from 20 to 30 kilometers per hour. Residents are advised to avoid outdoor activities during this period and to ensure they stay hydrated.
The scorching heatwave is attributed to significantly reduced rainfall in Bihar, with April seeing a staggering 97% decrease compared to normal levels this year. In contrast, April 2023 witnessed a 32% surplus in rainfall. Notably, West Champaran, Bhabua, and Lakhisarai experienced rainfall between 89% to 110% above normal levels during this period.
The populace is urged to take necessary precautions to mitigate the impact of the ongoing heatwave, given the persistently high temperatures and dry weather conditions across the region.
