Patna: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an orange alert for thunderstorms and rain in 13 districts of Bihar on Monday, warning of strong winds reaching up to 50 km/h, lightning strikes, and possible hailstorms. At the same time, heatwave conditions continue to trouble residents in 25 other districts, highlighting a sharp contrast in weather across the state.
According to officials, Bihar is currently experiencing a dual weather pattern. While southern districts remain under intense heat, parts of north and eastern Bihar, particularly the Kosi-Seemanchal region, have been hit by severe thunderstorms, rain, and lightning over the past 24 hours. These extreme conditions have claimed at least five lives.
Widespread damage has been reported from districts such as Supaul, Katihar, and Araria, where dozens of houses were damaged and several trees were uprooted. Rainfall was recorded in at least 10 districts, including Raxaul and Madhubani. Supaul also witnessed hailstorms on Saturday night, while strong winds and rain uprooted trees in several areas of Kishanganj. In Katihar, mango crops suffered damage due to the storm.
Katihar reported three fatalities due to lightning strikes. In Purnia’s Amour, a woman died after being struck by lightning, while in Araria, an elderly woman was killed when a wall collapsed. Meanwhile, heatwave conditions in southern and western Bihar have also proven deadly, with a woman reported dead due to extreme heat in Bhojpur.
Rohtas district’s Dehri recorded the highest temperature in the state at 43.2 degrees Celsius, while at least eight districts reported temperatures above 40 degrees Celsius.
Weather Outlook
The IMD has forecast continued instability in the coming days. In north Bihar, districts such as Kishanganj, Araria, Purnia, and Supaul are likely to witness thunderstorms, rain, and lightning over the next 48 hours. In contrast, southern Bihar is expected to see little relief from the heat for the next two to three days, with heatwave conditions likely to persist.
Cause of Weather Change
Meteorologists attribute the sudden shift in weather to a low-pressure area over Jharkhand and West Bengal, coupled with a cyclonic circulation over eastern Uttar Pradesh merging into the system. Strong upper-level winds have added to atmospheric instability, resulting in cloud formation, gusty winds, and rainfall across parts of the state.
Temperature Trends
Though rainfall and cloud cover may bring a slight dip in temperatures, overall heat conditions are expected to continue. The IMD has warned that temperatures in parts of southwest Bihar may touch 40 degrees Celsius in the next 24 hours, remaining 3–4 degrees above normal. Day and night temperatures are likely to remain largely unchanged over the next three to four days, with humid conditions persisting.
Patna Weather
In Patna, partly cloudy skies are expected on Monday, with hot and humid conditions during the day. Light rain or gusty winds may occur by evening or night. The maximum temperature is likely to hover between 39 and 40 degrees Celsius, with weather conditions remaining unstable.
Latest Update
In Samastipur, a gulmohar tree fell near the SP residence due to strong winds, disrupting traffic. A forest department team has been deployed to clear the road.
