Patna: The southwest monsoon has become active across Bihar, prompting the India Meteorological Department (IMD) to issue rain and thunderstorm alerts for 30 districts on Wednesday. The weather department has placed four districts under an Orange Alert and 26 districts under a Yellow Alert, warning of heavy rainfall, strong winds, and the risk of lightning.
According to the IMD, several districts are likely to receive heavy rainfall accompanied by winds reaching speeds of up to 40 kmph. The department has also issued a special advisory urging residents to remain alert due to the heightened risk of lightning strikes.
The warning comes after widespread rainfall was recorded over the past 24 hours in Patna, Begusarai, Siwan, Madhepura, Supaul, Gaya, Nalanda, Bagaha, Jehanabad, and Purnea. However, the adverse weather also turned deadly, with four people losing their lives in separate lightning strike incidents reported from Banka, Buxar, and Aurangabad districts.
Weather Forecast for the Coming Days
The IMD has forecast partly cloudy skies over Patna on July 2, with light to moderate rainfall expected in isolated areas. While cool winds may provide some relief, humid conditions are likely to persist. Heavy to very heavy rainfall is expected in several districts of North Bihar, Seemanchal, and Mithilanchal.
On July 3, light to moderate rainfall is expected to continue across southern and central Bihar, including Patna. Heavy showers are likely in Kaimur, Sasaram, and Gaya.
Between July 4 and July 6, districts such as Muzaffarpur, Bagaha, Madhepura, Saharsa, Gopalganj, and several parts of northern and eastern Bihar are likely to experience heavy rainfall.
July Likely to Witness Below-Normal Rainfall
Despite the current spell of rainfall, the IMD has projected that Bihar is likely to receive below-normal rainfall during July. Both maximum and minimum temperatures are expected to remain above seasonal averages.
The department estimates maximum temperatures to remain between 32°C and 34°C, while minimum temperatures may range from 24°C to 26°C during the month. The combination of deficient rainfall and above-normal temperatures could adversely affect agriculture, drinking water availability, and daily life across the state.
July is considered the most crucial month for the monsoon in Bihar, with the state normally receiving around 340.5 mm of rainfall. It is also the peak period for paddy transplantation. Reduced rainfall during this period could significantly affect agricultural activities.
Bihar Recorded 46% Rainfall Deficit in June
The forecast has raised concerns because Bihar already experienced a significant rainfall deficit in June. Between June 1 and June 30, the state received only 87.8 mm of rainfall against the normal average of 163.3 mm, resulting in a deficit of 46%.
Although Saraigarh Bhaptiyahi in Supaul district recorded a single-day rainfall of 196.4 mm on June 29, the isolated heavy rainfall was insufficient to offset the state’s overall deficit.
June was also marked by intense heatwave conditions. The highest temperature of the month was recorded at 43.6°C in Dehri, while Patna’s temperature climbed to 41.3°C.
Agriculture and Public Health May Be Impacted
Meteorologists have cautioned that if below-normal rainfall continues through July, paddy transplantation could be severely affected, forcing farmers to rely more heavily on groundwater for irrigation, which may further deplete water resources.
Above-normal temperatures and persistent humidity are also expected to increase the risk of heat stress, dehydration, and seasonal illnesses. Authorities anticipate a corresponding rise in electricity demand as residents seek relief from the heat.
The IMD has advised residents to remain indoors during thunderstorms, avoid open fields and tall trees during lightning activity, and follow weather advisories issued by local authorities.
