Patna: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a yellow alert for 27 districts of Bihar, warning of rainfall, thunderstorms, lightning and strong winds between June 7 and June 9.
According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), affected districts could experience wind speeds of up to 50 kmph during this period, with the risk of lightning strikes also remaining high.
The alert comes as Bihar continues to witness sharply contrasting weather conditions, with rainfall providing relief in some districts while others remain in the grip of severe heat.
Heat Persists In Southern And Western Bihar
Despite the onset of pre-monsoon rainfall in parts of the state, temperatures remain elevated across several districts.
According to meteorological data, the highest temperature in Bihar during the past 24 hours was recorded at 43.6°C in Dehri, Rohtas district.
High temperatures were also reported from Buxar, Kaimur, Saran and Patna, where conditions remained hot and humid.
The weather department said parts of southwest Bihar continue to be influenced by hot and dry winds, preventing any significant relief from the heat.
Lightning Claims Four Lives
The changing weather has also proved deadly.
Over the past 24 hours, one person each was killed by lightning strikes in Jamui, Munger, Banka and Buxar districts.
Officials have urged residents to remain vigilant during thunderstorms, particularly in rural areas where lightning-related fatalities are more common during the pre-monsoon season.
Why Bihar Is Experiencing Contrasting Weather
Meteorologists said the differing weather patterns are being driven by varying atmospheric influences across the state.
In North and East Bihar, moisture-laden winds from the Bay of Bengal are becoming increasingly active, leading to cloud formation, thunderstorms and rainfall.
As a result, districts such as Kishanganj, Araria, Purnia and Darbhanga have received rain and witnessed cooler conditions.
By contrast, districts including Rohtas, Kaimur and Buxar remain under the influence of dry and hot winds, causing temperatures to stay significantly above normal.
Pre-Monsoon Activity Intensifying
According to the IMD, the current spell of rainfall is part of ongoing pre-monsoon activity.
Meteorologists said the increasing influx of moisture from the Bay of Bengal is creating favourable conditions for cloud formation and thunderstorms across large parts of Bihar.
If these conditions persist, they could aid the further advance of the southwest monsoon towards the state in the coming days.
The monsoon typically becomes active in Bihar during the second half of June.
Safety Advisory Issued
The weather department has advised people to remain cautious during thunderstorms and lightning activity.
Residents have been urged to avoid open fields, isolated trees and electricity poles during adverse weather conditions. Officials also recommended taking shelter in permanent structures whenever lightning or strong winds occur.
Authorities said they will continue to monitor weather developments closely and issue updated alerts as conditions evolve over the next several days.
