Patna: Dense fog disrupted normal life in parts of north Bihar on Monday morning as the weather department issued rain alerts across all 38 districts of the state, warning of thunderstorms, lightning and strong winds reaching up to 50 km/h.
Visibility dropped sharply in districts such as Samastipur and Darbhanga, with local residents forced to drive with headlights on as early morning fog blanketed roads. Similar foggy conditions were also reported in Chhapra, where temperatures dipped slightly amid the changing weather.
According to the meteorological centre, 17 districts have been placed under an orange alert while 21 districts are under a yellow alert for Monday.
Thunderstorms and strong winds expected
Officials warned that several districts could witness thundershowers, lightning and gusty winds during the day. Wind speeds may reach up to 50 km/h in some areas.
The shift in weather patterns is also expected to bring a drop in maximum temperatures across the state, which are likely to remain between 32°C and 34°C.
Western disturbance behind sudden change
Meteorologists said the sudden change in Bihar’s weather is linked to an active western disturbance over north India combined with moisture inflow from the Bay of Bengal.
The interaction between these two systems has increased atmospheric instability, leading to cloud formation and favourable conditions for thunderstorms across the region.
Surface wind patterns have also shifted, further increasing the chances of rain and strong winds in several districts.
Districts under orange alert
West Champaran, East Champaran, Gopalganj, Siwan, Saran, Muzaffarpur, Vaishali, Samastipur, Darbhanga, Madhubani, Sitamarhi, Sheohar, Supaul, Madhepura, Saharsa, Begusarai and Khagaria.
Districts under yellow alert
Araria, Kishanganj, Purnia, Katihar, Bhagalpur, Banka, Munger, Lakhisarai, Jamui, Sheikhpura, Nalanda, Patna, Bhojpur, Buxar, Kaimur, Rohtas, Aurangabad, Gaya, Nawada, Jehanabad and Arwal.
Rohtas records highest temperature
Despite the incoming weather system, Rohtas recorded the highest temperature in the state over the past 24 hours at 36.6°C.
Other districts such as Nalanda, Kaimur and Sasaram also reported temperatures above 35°C, while Patna recorded around 33°C.
Weather likely to remain unstable until March 20
The weather department said the current pattern could continue until 20 March, with cloudy skies, light rainfall and thunderstorms expected intermittently.
