Patna: Temperatures across Bihar have risen sharply in early March, with several districts recording daytime highs of 33C to 34C, prompting the India Meteorological Department (IMD) to issue a yellow alert for thunderstorms and rain between March 9 and March 11.
According to meteorological data, Rajgir in Nalanda district recorded the highest temperature in the state on Saturday at 34.2C. Valmikinagar followed with 33.4C, while Patna registered 33.2C. Buxar recorded 33.1C and Motihari 33C.
Meteorologists said the temperatures are about 5C to 6C above normal for this time of year, making residents feel the heat unusually early in March.
Night-time temperatures have also risen across several districts. Katihar recorded a minimum temperature of 25.4C, contributing to humid conditions overnight.
Other minimum temperatures included 22.1C in Kaimur, 21.8C in Patna, 21.3C in Supaul, 21.2C in Forbesganj in Araria and 21C in Muzaffarpur. Pusa in Samastipur recorded the lowest minimum temperature in the state at 17.1C.
Weather officials say the rising temperatures may soon give way to unstable conditions. The IMD has issued a yellow alert for much of the state, warning of thunderstorms, lightning and light to moderate rainfall.
The sudden change in weather is being attributed to moisture-laden winds moving in from the Bay of Bengal along with a trough extending into north-western Uttar Pradesh.
Dust storms with wind speeds of 30km/h to 50km/h and scattered rainfall are expected over the next 48 hours.
The IMD has advised residents in northern and eastern districts of Bihar to remain cautious, particularly due to the risk of lightning.
Lightning alerts have been issued for districts including Sitamarhi, Madhubani, Darbhanga, Purnia and Bhagalpur.
Forecasts indicate that cloudy skies will prevail across the state on March 9, with rainfall likely to be more pronounced in northern Bihar on March 10 and eastern Bihar on March 11.
