Patna: The scorching sun pushed temperatures in Bihar to unbearable levels on Saturday, with Patna recording a maximum of 43C and Dehri and Gaya emerging as the hottest districts at 44.6C.
Residents across the capital struggled to venture outdoors as the day progressed, with the oppressive heatwave gripping much of the state. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), a shift in weather patterns is expected from Sunday, offering some respite through thunderstorms and rain.
A yellow alert has been issued for Patna and nearby districts including Nalanda, Jehanabad, Gaya, Nawada, Begusarai, Jamui, Banka, Bhagalpur, Munger and Khagaria, warning of thunderstorms, lightning and strong winds reaching 30–40 km/h over the next 24 hours.
Meanwhile, an orange alert – indicating more severe weather – has been sounded for East Champaran, Supaul, Sitamarhi and Madhubani, forecasting thunderstorms, hailstorms and winds between 50–60 km/h.
Much of northern Bihar is also expected to experience thunderstorms and rainfall, with a predicted drop of three to five degrees in maximum temperatures over the next 72 hours.
Meteorologists said the changing conditions were due to a cyclonic circulation over east Bihar and adjoining sub-Himalayan West Bengal, as well as another system over Assam and its surrounding regions. These weather systems are likely to bring normalcy back, with rain and thunderstorms predicted across various parts of the state for the next four to five days.
Saturday’s heatwave persisted in 15 districts, with Patna registering a 1.4-degree rise from the previous day. Severe heatwave conditions were reported in Gaya, while Motihari and Sheikhpura experienced intense heatwave spells.
