Patna: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a thunderstorm and rain alert for 16 districts in Bihar as the southwest monsoon remains active across the state. Intermittent rainfall has continued in Patna and several other districts, while lightning strikes have claimed five lives in the past 24 hours.
According to the weather department, the 16 districts are likely to witness rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms and lightning. Residents have been advised to remain cautious, particularly during periods of intense weather activity. Weather conditions are expected to remain normal in the remaining 22 districts, although cloudy skies and humid conditions are likely to persist.
Several districts, including Khagaria, Nalanda and Patna, received heavy rainfall over the past 24 hours, with overcast skies prevailing for most of the day.
On Friday, four people died after being struck by lightning in Nawada, while two women sustained burn injuries in separate incidents. Another 45-year-old man lost his life due to a lightning strike in Sheikhpura.
Why Is the Weather Changing Frequently?
Meteorologists said the monsoon is fully active, but rain-bearing systems are not remaining stationary over one region. As a result, weather conditions are changing rapidly across Bihar.
The monsoon trough continues to remain active near the state and is shifting frequently, leading to heavy rainfall in some areas while others experience only cloud cover. High moisture levels in the atmosphere are also contributing to uncomfortable humidity whenever rainfall is absent.
Experts added that intense afternoon heating is triggering the rapid formation of localised clouds, resulting in sudden spells of heavy rain, thunderstorms and lightning. This explains the recurring pattern of bright sunshine, oppressive humidity and abrupt downpours within a single day.
Cloudy Skies Likely to Continue in Patna
Patna is expected to remain under cloudy skies throughout Saturday, with one or two spells of rain likely during the afternoon or evening. While rainfall may bring a slight dip in temperatures, humidity is expected to remain high.
The maximum temperature is likely to hover between 32°C and 34°C, while the minimum temperature is expected to remain between 26°C and 27°C.
Bihar Still Faces 37% Rainfall Deficit
Despite the recent rainfall, Bihar continues to record significantly below-normal monsoon precipitation. According to IMD data, the state should have received 432.2 mm of rainfall by this stage of the monsoon season but has recorded only 273.7 mm, leaving it with a 37% rainfall deficit.
The rainfall shortfall remains a matter of concern for the agricultural sector. However, the weather department expects monsoon activity to intensify during the final week of July, which could bring widespread rainfall across several districts and help reduce the deficit.
