Patna: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast heavy to very heavy rainfall in nine districts of Bihar on Tuesday as the southwest monsoon remains active over the state. Residents have also been advised to remain alert as the weather department has issued a special warning for lightning strikes and gusty winds.
According to the IMD, Gaya, Nawada and West Champaran are likely to receive very heavy rainfall, while Patna, Nalanda and Vaishali are among the districts expected to witness heavy showers. Cloudy skies are expected to prevail across the rest of the state, accompanied by winds of 30–40 kmph. The department has also predicted a 2–3°C drop in maximum temperatures due to widespread rainfall.
Rain Disrupts Rail Traffic, Causes Waterlogging
Monsoon showers continued to affect normal life over the past 24 hours, with intermittent rainfall reported in Patna and several other districts.
In Lakhisarai, railway tracks near Kajra railway station on the Jamalpur–Kiul rail section were submerged following continuous rain. The waterlogging disrupted train operations for nearly two hours, forcing railway authorities to halt several services, including the Bhagalpur–Surat Superfast Express, Jamalpur–Kiul DMU, and Gaya–Jamalpur Passenger, at nearby stations before allowing them to proceed at reduced speeds.
In Gaya, heavy rain led to waterlogging inside the premises of Anugrah Narayan Magadh Medical College and Hospital, with water accumulating near the main entrance and the emergency ward, causing inconvenience to patients and hospital staff.
Heavy rainfall also triggered localized flooding in several districts:
- Water entered workshops at the Munger Rail Factory, disrupting work.
- The GD College campus in Begusarai witnessed severe waterlogging.
- A large tree fell on a road in Buxar, blocking traffic until it was cleared.
- Agricultural fields in Jamui were inundated due to continuous rainfall.
- Roads in Khagaria were submerged, affecting vehicular movement.
Temperature Drops as Monsoon Strengthens
Bagaha recorded the state’s highest maximum temperature at 35°C during the past 24 hours, while Patna and Purnia registered temperatures of around 32°C.
Rainfall Likely to Continue Till July 23
The IMD has forecast cloudy conditions over Patna with light to moderate rainfall in several areas on Tuesday. Thunderstorms accompanied by lightning and strong winds are also likely.
The department said rainfall activity is expected to continue across Bihar on July 22 and 23. Moderate to heavy rainfall is likely in parts of north and west Bihar, while south and central Bihar are expected to receive light to moderate rain accompanied by thunderstorms. The ongoing rainfall is expected to provide some relief from humid conditions.
Monsoon Fully Active Over Bihar
According to meteorologists, the southwest monsoon is now fully active over Bihar, with its main trough lying close to the state. Moisture-laden winds from the Bay of Bengal are continuously feeding the system, resulting in persistent cloud formation and widespread rainfall.
The weather department has indicated that rainfall is likely to continue across most parts of Bihar over the next week, with light to moderate showers in many districts and heavy rainfall in isolated areas. Residents have been advised to remain cautious, particularly during thunderstorms, and avoid taking shelter under trees or venturing into open areas during lightning activity.
