Patna: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued rain and thunderstorm warnings for 15 districts in Bihar on Friday, placing five districts under an Orange Alert for heavy rainfall and 10 others under a Yellow Alert.
The department has also warned of lightning strikes and gusty winds reaching up to 40 km/h in the affected districts. Weather conditions are expected to remain largely normal in the remaining 23 districts, although maximum temperatures could rise by 2–3°C over the next 24 hours.
Orange And Yellow Alerts Issued
The Orange Alert has been issued for five districts, including Buxar, where heavy rainfall is expected.
The remaining 10 districts under a Yellow Alert have been warned of thunderstorms, lightning and moderate rainfall.
The IMD has advised residents to avoid open spaces, trees and electric poles during thunderstorms and to take shelter in safe locations if lightning occurs.
Rain To Continue Until August 8
According to the Meteorological Centre in Patna, the current spell of rain is expected to continue until August 8.
Heavy rainfall is likely at isolated locations, while cloudy skies are expected over several districts, including Patna.
From Friday onwards, rainfall activity is forecast to gradually shift towards north and eastern Bihar. On August 8, heavy rain is likely in south-eastern Bihar, as well as Katihar, Purnia and West Champaran.
The department expects rainfall intensity to peak in north Bihar on August 9, with heavy rain warnings issued for Araria, Darbhanga, Kishanganj, Madhubani, Sitamarhi, Supaul and West Champaran.
Lightning Claims One Life
Rainfall was recorded during the past 24 hours in Patna, Muzaffarpur, Begusarai, Khagaria, Samastipur, Katihar, Jehanabad and Banka.
A farmer was killed after being struck by lightning in Banka, according to officials.
Patna received 3.8 mm of rainfall during the same period. The city recorded a maximum temperature of 30.5°C and a minimum of 26.3°C.
— Mausam Bihar- IMD Patna (@imd_patna) August 6, 2026
Active Monsoon Trough Driving Rainfall
Meteorologists attributed the ongoing weather to an active monsoon trough near Bihar, coupled with a steady inflow of moisture-laden easterly winds from the Bay of Bengal.
Weather experts said high humidity across the state is causing intense daytime heating. By evening, moist winds promote rapid cloud formation, resulting in sudden showers accompanied by thunderstorms, lightning and strong winds.
This weather pattern is expected to continue for the next one to two days.
Rainfall Deficit Persists
Despite the recent showers, Bihar continues to face a 37% rainfall deficit during the current monsoon season.
While the IMD expects good rainfall in some areas over the coming days, it said there is no immediate prospect of fully offsetting the statewide rainfall shortfall.
