Patna: Weather conditions remained mixed across Bihar on Saturday, with dark clouds hovering over several districts, including Patna and Bhagalpur, while rainfall activity remained largely confined to parts of north and east Bihar. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a yellow alert for rainfall in 32 districts across the state.
Over the past 24 hours, heavy rainfall was recorded in parts of Patna, Motihari, Nalanda, Begusarai, Sheikhpura, Jamui and Khagaria. However, heatwave-like conditions continued to prevail in several western and central districts. Kaimur emerged as the hottest district in the state, recording a maximum temperature of 42.4 degrees Celsius.
Four Killed in Lightning Strikes
At least four people lost their lives in separate lightning incidents in Vaishali and Sheikhpura districts on Friday.
In Vaishali district’s Jandaha subdivision, lightning struck Birpur Karari Tola and Shivnagar villages under Jandaha police station limits, killing two youths and a woman. The deceased were identified as Vivek Kumar, 23, and Piyush Kumar, 19, both residents of Ward No. 8 of Birpur Panchayat, and Pano Devi, 57, of Shivnagar village. Another youth, Abhishek Kumar, sustained serious burn injuries.
In a separate incident in Faridpur village under Mehus police station limits in Sheikhpura district, 58-year-old farmer Naresh Yadav died after being struck by lightning while grazing cattle. According to local reports, he had taken shelter under a tree after rainfall began.
Heatwave Warning Until June 22
According to the Meteorological Centre, heatwave conditions and warm nights are likely to continue in several western and central Bihar districts until June 22.
The affected districts include Patna, Nalanda, Bhojpur, Buxar, Rohtas, Kaimur, Aurangabad, Gaya, Jehanabad, Arwal, Nawada, Saran, Siwan, Gopalganj, Vaishali, Muzaffarpur and Samastipur.
The weather office has warned that maximum temperatures may rise by 2 to 4 degrees Celsius above normal during this period.
Why Heatwave Conditions Persist During Monsoon
Meteorologists attribute the unusual weather pattern to weakened monsoon activity and the influence of hot westerly winds. Although the southwest monsoon arrived in Bihar ahead of schedule on June 11, rainfall activity has since weakened due to reduced moisture supply from the Bay of Bengal.
As a result, cloud cover and precipitation, which typically help regulate temperatures during the monsoon season, have declined, leading to a rise in daytime temperatures and heatwave-like conditions despite the presence of the monsoon.
Monsoon Progress Slows After Early Arrival
The monsoon made an early onset over Bihar on June 11, bringing widespread rainfall to eastern districts such as Kishanganj, Araria, Purnea, Katihar, Supaul, Madhepura, Saharsa, Bhagalpur, Banka and Jamui.
However, the monsoon’s advance has slowed considerably over the past week, limiting its impact in western parts of the state.
Flood Concerns in Kishanganj
Heavy rainfall in neighbouring Nepal has caused the Mechi River in Kishanganj district to swell, triggering flood-like conditions in several villages. Residents reported that floodwater had entered homes, with water levels reaching up to two to three feet in some areas.
Rain Brings Relief in Several Districts
Several districts witnessed rainfall and changing weather conditions over the past 24 hours.
Madhepura received heavy rainfall late Friday night, providing much-needed relief from persistent heat. In Madhubani, strong winds and rain led to waterlogging in several areas. Nalanda recorded heavy showers accompanied by gusty winds, while parts of Barh in Patna district also experienced rain and thunderstorms.
On Saturday morning, light showers were reported from parts of Supaul, while dark clouds and cool winds prevailed in Begusarai and Bhagalpur. The weather department has forecast intermittent rainfall in several districts over the next two days.
Meanwhile, Patna is expected to experience hot and humid conditions over the next three days, with daytime temperatures likely to range between 39 and 41 degrees Celsius. While partial cloud cover is expected in some areas, heavy rainfall is unlikely, and residents may continue to experience warm nights.
