Patna: Bihar is expected to witness thunderstorms, rain, strong winds and lightning on Monday, with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) issuing weather alerts for all 38 districts of the state on the third Monday of Sawan.
The weather department has issued an orange alert for 19 districts and a yellow alert for the remaining 19 districts, warning of thunderstorms, lightning and strong winds. Wind speeds could reach around 50 kmph in some areas.
The IMD has urged people, particularly those in orange-alert districts, to exercise caution during thunderstorms and avoid exposed areas.
Bihar records 38% rainfall deficit
Despite the ongoing monsoon season, Bihar has recorded 38% less rainfall than normal so far this year.
The state has received around 405 mm of rainfall, against the normal cumulative rainfall of approximately 680 mm for the corresponding period.
Over the past 24 hours, weather conditions remained largely normal in several parts of the state. However, residents in Patna continued to experience humid conditions through the day. Similar humid and uncomfortable weather was reported in Gaya and Samastipur.
Why is Bihar’s weather changing?
The current change in weather conditions is primarily linked to a low-pressure area over the Bay of Bengal and adjoining coastal areas of West Bengal and north Odisha.
According to the weather department, an associated cyclonic circulation extends to higher levels of the atmosphere. The system is expected to move northwestwards and strengthen further over the next 24 hours.
The active monsoon trough is another factor contributing to increased rainfall activity across Bihar.
Patna weather forecast for August 17
In Patna, the sky is expected to remain generally cloudy on Monday, with one or two spells of rain or thundershowers likely during the day.
According to the IMD’s Patna Airport forecast, the maximum temperature is likely to be around 33°C, while the minimum temperature may remain around 28°C.
The weather department has also warned of thunderstorms and lightning in the city.
With large numbers of devotees expected to visit temples on the third Monday of Sawan, authorities and residents have been advised to remain alert during periods of strong winds, thunderstorms and lightning.
