Patna: Bihar is set for a change in weather on Wednesday, August 12, with the India Meteorological Department issuing a yellow alert for thunderstorms and lightning across 18 districts.
Winds of 30–40 km/h are expected in the affected areas, along with light to moderate rainfall. No district has been placed under a heavy-rain alert for the next 24 hours.
The warning comes after lightning-related deaths were reported in several parts of the state on Tuesday, when thunderstorms and rain disrupted normal life in parts of eastern and southern Bihar.
18 Districts Under Yellow Alert
According to the Meteorological Department, adverse weather conditions are likely in West Champaran, East Champaran, Gopalganj, Siwan, Saran, Bhojpur, Buxar, Kaimur, Rohtas, Aurangabad, Saharsa, Madhepura, Supaul, Araria, Kishanganj, Purnia and Katihar.
These areas may experience thunderstorms, strong winds and rain, with lightning posing an additional risk.
The Meteorological Centre in Patna has forecast strong winds accompanied by thunderstorms and lightning particularly across north-western, north-central and north-eastern Bihar. Residents have been advised to avoid open areas during periods of severe weather.
Lightning Deaths Reported Across Bihar
The weather warning follows several reported lightning deaths on Tuesday.
According to the information provided by authorities, three women who had gone to plant paddy in Boda-Suiya village in Banka district’s Chandan block were killed by lightning.
Another person was reportedly killed by lightning in Siray village in Bounsi block, while one death was reported in Kazi Kairi.
Three deaths each were reported from Lakhisarai and Nawada, and one from Jamui.
The incidents have prompted renewed caution in areas vulnerable to thunderstorms and lightning.
Monsoon Likely To Remain Subdued
Despite the possibility of thunderstorms and rain, monsoon activity in Bihar is expected to remain subdued over the next 24 hours.
No heavy-rain alert has been issued for any district, although isolated heavy rainfall remains possible along areas bordering Nepal.
The weakening monsoon also contributed to a sharp rise in daytime temperatures on Tuesday, with several districts recording an increase of 1–3°C in maximum temperatures.
Thunderstorms and rain in parts of eastern and southern Bihar during the afternoon brought some relief from the heat but also disrupted normal activity.
Supaul Records State’s Highest Temperature
The weakening monsoon was particularly evident in the rise in temperatures across the state.
Supaul recorded the highest maximum temperature on August 11 at 37.4°C, resulting in hot and humid conditions during the day.
Weather conditions changed abruptly in parts of Bihar on Tuesday afternoon, with lightning reported in Gaya and Banka.
Patna May See Light Rain
In Patna, the sky is expected to remain partly cloudy on Wednesday, with a possibility of thunderstorms and light rain in some areas.
Heavy rainfall is not expected in the capital. The maximum temperature is likely to remain around 35°C.
With thunderstorms and lightning forecast across several districts, residents have been advised to exercise caution, particularly during periods of strong winds and lightning.
