Patna: Bihar witnessed a sudden change in weather on Thursday, with heavy rain reported from several parts of Patna, Begusarai, Madhubani and Supaul since early morning. The Meteorological Centre has issued a yellow alert for rain in 26 districts, with thunderstorms and lightning also likely in some areas.
According to the weather department, rain and thunderstorm activity is expected to continue in parts of Bihar until October 9. Weather conditions are likely to become more stable from October 10, although isolated light rain cannot be ruled out.
Rain was reported from several districts during the past 24 hours, including Patna and Munger. In Bhojpur, one farmer died after being struck by lightning, while two people, including a woman, suffered burn injuries in a separate lightning-related incident.
Monsoon withdrawal line reaches Supaul
The southwest monsoon withdrawal from Bihar is underway, with the withdrawal line currently passing through Supaul, according to the weather department.
The withdrawal line extends further through Ranchi in Jharkhand, Raipur in Chhattisgarh, and Brahmapuri, Parbhani and Baramati in Maharashtra.
Although the monsoon is retreating, other weather systems are contributing to rainfall across Bihar, resulting in cloudy skies, thunderstorms, lightning and strong winds in several areas.
Western disturbance, trough influencing weather
A western disturbance remains active in the middle and upper levels of the atmosphere. In addition, an upper-air cyclonic circulation is active over Jharkhand and adjoining areas.
A trough is also extending from northwest Uttar Pradesh to the Bay of Bengal. The combined influence of these weather systems is resulting in rainfall and thunderstorm activity in parts of Bihar despite the ongoing withdrawal of the southwest monsoon.
Rain brings relief from heat
Several districts have reported rain since Wednesday evening, providing relief from humid and hot conditions.
In Samastipur, rain has been reported since Thursday morning, with a fall in both maximum and minimum temperatures. Rain has also been reported from Madhubani, Supaul and Begusarai.
Patna received 10.4 mm of rain on Wednesday, while heavy rain was reported in the city again on Thursday morning.
Patna weather forecast
Patna is likely to remain cloudy on Thursday, with chances of rain, thunderstorms and lightning. Strong winds may also occur during the day.
The maximum temperature is expected to remain around 29-30°C, while the minimum temperature is likely to be around 24-25°C.
Post-monsoon rainfall 84% below normal
Despite the recent showers, Bihar has recorded a significant rainfall deficit during the post-monsoon period.
Between October 1 and 7, the state received 4.2 mm of rainfall against the normal 26.2 mm, resulting in an 84% deficit, according to the Meteorological Centre.
Rain activity likely to decline from October 10
The weather department expects rainfall and thunderstorm activity to decrease after October 9. No weather warning has been issued for Bihar from October 10, indicating a gradual return to normal conditions.
However, isolated cloud cover and light rain may still occur in some areas as the southwest monsoon withdrawal progresses.
