Patna: The southwest monsoon is gradually withdrawing from Bihar, bringing a shift in weather conditions across the state. While most parts of Bihar are likely to remain dry and humid on Monday, isolated light rain accompanied by thunderstorms and gusty winds is expected in parts of north and northeastern Bihar over the coming days.
According to the Meteorological Centre, Patna, isolated rain accompanied by strong winds is likely on Monday in East Champaran, West Champaran, Gopalganj, Siwan, Saran, Supaul, Araria, Kishanganj, Purnia, Katihar, Madhepura and Saharsa.
Between October 6 and 9, isolated areas of northern Bihar may experience thunderstorms, lightning and light rain, with winds reaching 30-40 kmph.
The weather is expected to remain largely stable in terms of temperature over the next five days. Daytime temperatures are likely to remain relatively warm, while early mornings and nights may bring a mild chill.
Monsoon withdrawal line crosses Supaul
The southwest monsoon has started withdrawing from Bihar, with the withdrawal line currently passing through Supaul. The weakening monsoon has resulted in a decline in rainfall activity across the state.
However, isolated cloud formation and light rain may continue in some areas until the monsoon fully withdraws.
A trough extending from northeastern Bihar towards the Bay of Bengal, passing through Jharkhand and the Gangetic plains of West Bengal, is also influencing weather conditions. The system could trigger isolated light rain or drizzle over parts of northeastern Bihar, particularly in the Kosi and Seemanchal regions.
Another upper-air trough extending from southern Bihar towards Vidarbha, passing through eastern Madhya Pradesh, is maintaining some moisture over the region and could lead to cloud development in isolated areas.
Meanwhile, the upper-air cyclonic circulation over northeast Assam and adjoining areas has weakened. A trough extending from north Bangladesh to Odisha has also weakened, reducing the strength of weather systems capable of producing widespread rainfall over Bihar.
Patna to remain warm and humid
Patna is likely to experience mostly clear skies and sunshine on Monday. The combination of daytime heat and humidity may make conditions uncomfortable, although the intensity of the heat is expected to remain moderate.
The possibility of rain in Patna is low on Monday. Cloud development and isolated light rain may become possible around October 6.
Scattered rain recorded on Sunday
On Sunday, Patna and adjoining areas experienced a mix of sunshine and clouds, with mild warmth during the day and cooler conditions during the morning and night.
During the previous 24 hours, light rain was recorded at isolated locations in Araria, Samastipur, Madhubani and Saharsa. Forbesganj in Araria recorded 4.2 mm, Khanpur in Samastipur 4.2 mm, Laukahi in Madhubani 2.2 mm and Mahishi in Saharsa 1.2 mm of rainfall.
Patna and most other districts remained dry and experienced generally normal weather conditions.
Patna recorded a maximum temperature of 33.9°C, while Bhabua recorded the state’s highest maximum temperature at 37.8°C.
Flood situation improves as Gandak level falls
Meanwhile, the flood situation in Bihar is showing signs of improvement as the water level of the Gandak River has started falling rapidly.
Around 466 villages across six districts remain affected by floods, with nearly eight lakh people impacted. Around 92,730 flood-affected people have been moved to safer locations. Flood-related incidents have so far claimed 27 lives in the state.
Saran remains among the worst-affected districts, with around 3.55 lakh people affected. Nearly 44,000 people have been evacuated to safer locations.
At Rewaghat in Saran, the Gandak’s water level has fallen to around 50 cm below the danger mark. At Lalganj in Vaishali, the river remains around 52 cm above the danger level, although the water level is falling rapidly. It is expected to fall below the danger mark within the next 24 hours.
The Water Resources Department has also initiated action against eight engineers for alleged negligence in repairing embankments damaged during the floods. Seven engineers have been suspended with immediate effect and departmental proceedings ordered against them. Departmental proceedings have also been ordered against Kumar Manoj Gupta, chief engineer in Muzaffarpur.
Police officer suspended after video surfaces
In a separate development in flood-hit Saran, a video from Maker police station area showed station house officer Sangram Singh allegedly pointing a pistol at a crowd.
Following the circulation of the video, Singh was suspended.
Weather to gradually turn cooler
The monsoon withdrawal is expected to progress further over the coming week, gradually reducing rainfall activity across Bihar. Northeastern districts may continue to receive isolated light rain due to prevailing troughs and local weather conditions.
No major change in maximum or minimum temperatures is expected over the next few days. As the monsoon fully withdraws, temperatures during the early morning and evening are expected to gradually become cooler, signalling the transition towards the post-monsoon season.
