Patna: Several parts of Bihar received rain on Thursday morning, with Patna, Samastipur, Begusarai, Bettiah and Gopalganj among the areas reporting rainfall. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has warned of thunderstorms, rain, strong winds and lightning across the state on September 24.
The Met Centre, Patna, has issued weather warnings for Bihar for September 24, with very heavy rain, thunderstorms and lightning among the hazards listed for the day. The forecast also indicates heavy rain and thunderstorms on September 25 and 26.
According to the forecast shared by the weather department, 19 districts are under an orange alert for heavy rainfall, while another 19 districts have been placed under a yellow alert for moderate rainfall. Rain accompanied by gusty winds and lightning is possible in several areas.
Residents have been advised to avoid open spaces during thunderstorms and stay indoors when lightning activity is reported.
Rain in Patna, Samastipur and other districts
Light rain was reported in several parts of Patna early Thursday morning. The city witnessed a change in weather on Wednesday evening, when dark clouds gathered after a hot and sunny day, followed by heavy rain during the night.
In Samastipur, intermittent rain has continued since Wednesday night. The weather department of Dr Rajendra Prasad Central Agricultural University has forecast thunderstorms and rain in Samastipur and other parts of north Bihar on September 24 and 25. Easterly winds of around 15-20 kmph are also expected.
Rain was also reported from Begusarai, Bettiah and Gopalganj on Thursday morning.
Over the previous 24 hours, rainfall was recorded in parts of Patna, Khagaria, Supaul, Jamui and Sasaram, among other districts.
Bay of Bengal system to influence Bihar weather
The weather system over the east-central and adjoining west-central Bay of Bengal is moving west-northwestwards. According to the weather department, the system is expected to become more marked over the west-central Bay of Bengal during the next 24 hours.
It may subsequently move towards the north Andhra Pradesh and south Odisha coasts. The system is expected to contribute to increased rainfall activity over Bihar.
Patna weather forecast
Patna is likely to remain cloudy on Thursday, with one or two spells of rain or thundershowers. The city may also experience strong winds and lightning.
The IMD’s latest Bihar warning bulletin lists thunderstorms and lightning along with very heavy rain among the hazards for September 24.
Rain likely to continue through September 27
The weather department has indicated that rainfall activity is likely to continue across Bihar over the next few days.
For September 25, the state remains under a warning for heavy rain, thunderstorms and lightning, while heavy rain and thunderstorms are also forecast for September 26. Thunderstorms and lightning may continue in parts of the state on September 27.
In Patna, rain or thundershowers accompanied by gusty winds are likely on September 25. The maximum temperature is expected to remain around 30°C, while the minimum may be around 25°C.
Monsoon activity remained weak in the past 24 hours
Despite rain in several districts, overall monsoon activity in Bihar remained weak during the previous 24 hours. Rainfall distribution was reported to be scattered, with several places in eastern Bihar and isolated locations elsewhere receiving light to moderate rain.
The rainfall distribution has remained uneven across the state, with some districts receiving relatively good rainfall while several others recorded limited precipitation.
According to the figures provided by the weather department, Bihar has received 591.7 mm of rainfall against the normal 943.4 mm for the corresponding period, leaving the state with a rainfall deficit of about 37%.
The IMD maintains daily, weekly, monthly and cumulative rainfall statistics for Bihar through its rainfall monitoring system.
Advisory for farmers
With harvesting of several kharif crops underway, farmers have been advised to move harvested produce to safe and dry locations at the earliest.
Farmers have also been advised not to leave harvested crops in open fields. Irrigation of standing crops should be postponed where possible, while irrigation of vegetable crops should also be avoided during the current spell.
Farmers should avoid entering fields during thunderstorms and strong winds and follow advisories issued by the local administration and weather department.
Lightning safety advisory
People have been advised to stay away from open fields, isolated trees, electric poles, ponds and other water bodies during thunderstorms and lightning.
Staying indoors is considered safer during storms. People should also exercise caution while using electrical and electronic equipment during severe weather.
The IMD’s Bihar forecast currently indicates very heavy rain and thunderstorm/lightning hazards on September 24, followed by heavy rain and thunderstorm/lightning risks on September 25 and 26.
