Patna: Bihar continues to witness a spell of unstable weather for the fifth consecutive day, with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) issuing an orange alert for thunderstorms and rainfall in 15 districts on Wednesday. The alert also warns of lightning strikes during rain spells, raising concerns over public safety.
Early morning showers were reported from Supaul and Khagaria, while several other parts of the state woke up to overcast skies. According to official data, Bihar recorded 89.7 mm of rainfall in the last 24 hours, which is 182% higher than the normal average of 31.8 mm.
Heavy rainfall was recorded across multiple districts. Hajipur in Vaishali district received 59.0 mm rainfall, followed by Simri (58.6 mm) and Dumraon (58.2 mm) in Buxar district. Kako in Jehanabad recorded 56.0 mm, while Itarhi in Buxar and Baltara in Khagaria both recorded 55.2 mm rainfall. Hisua in Nawada received 52.4 mm, with several other districts witnessing rainfall between 40 mm and 50 mm.
The impact of the intense weather has been visible across the state. In Hajipur, heavy rain on Monday evening led to severe waterlogging, with areas such as Rajendra Chowk, Kachahari Road, Hospital Road, and Cinema Road submerged. In Motihari, a tragic incident occurred when a live electric wire fell on a hut during the storm, triggering a fire that killed two people. Gopalganj reported waterlogging up to three feet on roads, while Siwan experienced heavy rainfall accompanied by hailstorms.
The adverse weather conditions have also resulted in casualties. At least 25 people, including seven children, have lost their lives due to thunderstorms and lightning strikes across Bihar. Six deaths were reported from Gaya, while East and West Champaran districts together reported six fatalities. In Khagaria, a 70-year-old man died after being struck by lightning, and two women sustained burn injuries. In Barh, a farmer died after being trapped under a tree during strong winds and rain.
The IMD has stated that the current spell of thunderstorms and rain is likely to continue until May 7, with gradual improvement expected from May 8 onwards.
In Patna, the weather is expected to remain partly cloudy over the next few days, with intermittent rain and thunderstorms. On May 6, the maximum temperature is likely to be around 32°C and minimum 21°C. Similar conditions are expected on May 7, with temperatures ranging between 23°C and 33°C. On May 8 and May 9, the city may continue to witness partly cloudy skies with chances of rain and thunderstorms, with temperatures hovering around 32°C (maximum) and 23°C (minimum).
Meanwhile, in Nalanda, light cloud cover persists with early morning showers recorded. The maximum temperature is expected to reach 34°C, while the minimum may settle around 23°C. Supaul is currently experiencing rainfall with thunderstorms, and heavy rain has been forecast for the day. Khagaria has remained cloudy since morning with intermittent drizzle and a noticeable dip in temperature.
Authorities have advised residents to remain cautious, especially during lightning activity, and avoid open areas during thunderstorms.
