Patna: Bihar continues to witness fluctuating weather conditions as the India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Thursday issued an orange alert for heavy rainfall in seven districts of north-eastern Bihar. The weather department has warned that wind speeds may reach up to 50 kmph in these districts.
While the weather is expected to remain relatively normal in Patna and 31 other districts, residents are likely to face humid conditions and rising discomfort due to heat. The IMD has also issued a statewide alert for thunderstorms, rain, and lightning over the next two days.
Despite widespread rainfall in several regions, the heatwave-like conditions persist in parts of Bihar. Bhabua in Kaimur district emerged as the hottest place in the state on Wednesday, recording a maximum temperature of 40.5 degrees Celsius.
According to the weather department, Bihar has so far received 115.9 mm of rainfall this season, which is 170 percent above normal. Purnia recorded the highest rainfall at 115 mm.
Heavy Rainfall in Several Districts
The IMD stated that south-eastern, south-central, and north-eastern Bihar received substantial rainfall during the past 24 hours, while Seemanchal and adjoining north-eastern regions witnessed intense showers.
Krityanand Nagar in Purnia district recorded the highest rainfall at 115 mm. Continuous rainfall led to waterlogging in several low-lying areas, disrupting normal life.
In rural regions, water accumulation on roads and agricultural fields caused difficulties for commuters and farmers. Banmankhi recorded 68.2 mm rainfall, Katihar received 68 mm, while Kasba reported 62.6 mm rainfall.
Several districts, including Bettiah, Gopalganj, and Gaya, experienced sudden changes in weather on Wednesday evening and night, accompanied by gusty winds, thunder, and light to moderate rain.
Reason Behind Sudden Weather Changes
According to the Meteorological Centre, pre-monsoon activities have intensified across Bihar, causing rapid weather fluctuations in many districts.
Officials said continuous moisture incursion from the Bay of Bengal and locally developing weather systems have strengthened pre-monsoon activity. As a result, rainfall and thunderstorm activity continue to affect Seemanchal and north-eastern Bihar.
Public Advisory Issued
The weather department has advised people to remain alert during thunderstorms and lightning activity. Residents have been urged to avoid open fields, farmlands, tall trees, and electric poles during adverse weather conditions.
Farmers, children, and outdoor workers have been asked to exercise extra caution. Authorities have also advised people to stay indoors and take shelter in safe concrete structures during thunderstorms.
In Patna, the maximum temperature on Wednesday was recorded at 35.3 degrees Celsius, which was 2.5 degrees below normal, while the minimum temperature stood at 25 degrees Celsius. Humid conditions prevailed throughout the day with intermittent cloud movement, while weather conditions changed by evening.
Weather Likely to Remain Unstable
The IMD has warned that weather conditions are likely to remain unstable over the next few days across several parts of Bihar, including the capital city. The department has issued red and orange alerts for multiple districts in north Bihar and advised people to remain cautious over the next 48 hours.
Thunderstorms, lightning, rainfall, and even hailstorms are likely in several districts. Meteorologists said pre-monsoon activity remains active and the combined impact of heat, humidity, and rain is expected to continue for the next few days.
Experts warned that Seemanchal and north-eastern Bihar may continue to witness rainfall, lightning strikes, and strong winds, while south-western Bihar is likely to experience hot and humid conditions.
They added that weather activity is expected to intensify during evening and night hours, increasing the risk of lightning strikes and incidents such as uprooting of trees and electric poles.
Tree and Electric Pole Fall on SUV in Patna
In a weather-related incident on Wednesday night, a palm tree and an electric pole fell on a Thar SUV near Gardanibagh bridge in Patna due to strong winds.
With the help of police personnel and local residents, the driver, identified as Abhishek Gaurav from the Saguna More area, was rescued from the damaged vehicle. He sustained injuries in the incident.
The fallen tree and pole disrupted traffic movement for nearly an hour, leading to long vehicle queues on the road. Police and administrative teams later removed the debris and restored traffic flow.
