Patna: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a heavy rain alert for 19 districts of Bihar on Thursday, warning of thunderstorms, lightning and strong winds. Similar weather conditions are expected to continue across the state until September 13.
Residents have been advised to exercise caution during periods of heavy rain, lightning and strong winds.
Rain alert in 19 districts
The weather alert covers West Champaran, East Champaran, Gopalganj, Siwan, Saran, Buxar, Bhojpur, Kaimur, Rohtas, Patna, Arwal, Jehanabad, Aurangabad, Gaya, Nalanda, Nawada, Begusarai, Sheikhpura and Lakhisarai.
Heavy rainfall is likely in some parts of these districts, accompanied by thunderstorms and lightning. Strong winds are also expected in several areas.
Bay of Bengal system to increase rainfall
According to the Meteorological Department, the weather change is being driven by two major systems.
A cyclonic circulation has formed over the northern Bay of Bengal and adjoining coastal Bangladesh, contributing to the development of a low-pressure area over the Bay of Bengal.
Meanwhile, the monsoon trough is passing close to Bihar, while another weather system is active over north-western Uttar Pradesh.
The combined influence of these systems is increasing moisture levels and rainfall activity across Bihar.
Patna may see more rain from September 11
Weather conditions in Patna are expected to remain relatively normal on Thursday, although rainfall activity could increase from September 11.
Scattered rainfall is likely in the capital between September 12 and 14.
Patna recorded a maximum temperature of 35°C during the past 24 hours, with continued humidity and heat following the rise in temperature.
Bihar rainfall deficit at 35%
Despite the expected increase in rainfall, Bihar continues to face a significant monsoon rainfall deficit.
The state should have received 843.8mm of rainfall during the period, against which only 544.7mm has been recorded so far.
This amounts to a deficit of approximately 35% from the normal rainfall level.
The expected rainfall over the coming days could provide some relief to farmers and residents, particularly in areas that have received below-normal rainfall.
Gaya records 90mm rain
Several parts of Bihar received significant rainfall over the past 24 hours.
Gaya recorded 90mm, while Rohtas and Bhojpur received 81mm and 78mm, respectively.
Purnia was the hottest place in the state on Wednesday, recording a maximum temperature of 35.8°C. Supaul and East Champaran recorded 35.6°C each.
Patna and Chhapra recorded maximum temperatures of 35.4°C.
Residents advised to take precautions
With lightning and strong winds forecast alongside rainfall, residents have been advised to avoid exposed locations during thunderstorms.
People should particularly stay away from open fields, trees and electric poles during lightning activity and move indoors or to another safe location during heavy rain and strong winds.
The weather department expects the unsettled conditions to continue across Bihar through September 13.
