Heat Wave Alert: Bihar Braces for Sweltering Conditions till May 1

Patna: The people of Bihar are bracing themselves for an extended spell of scorching heat and heatwaves over the next four days, as the India Meteorological Department (IMD) issues a stern warning. Several districts across the state are expected to be engulfed by severe heat conditions until May 1, owing to the relentless dry, hot north-westerly winds and intense sunlight originating from Rajasthan.

Today, on April 28, the IMD predicts the likelihood of heatwaves in select areas of Aurangabad, Darbhanga, Motihari, Sheikhpura, Jamui, Banka, Gopalganj, and Khagaria districts. Meanwhile, the remaining parts of the state are anticipated to experience hot weather conditions.

Looking ahead to April 29, there’s a forecast of heatwaves in certain pockets of Aurangabad, Darbhanga, Motihari, Sheikhpura, Jamui, Banka, Gopalganj, Patna, Gaya, Bhagalpur, Purnia, and Khagaria districts. Other areas are expected to endure hot days.

April 30 sees a continuation of the heatwave risk in some areas of Darbhanga, Motihari, Gopalganj, Purnia, as well as the South-West, South-East, and South-Central regions. The rest of the districts are expected to face hot weather conditions.

The alert extends into May 1, with the possibility of heatwaves persisting in select locations of Darbhanga, Motihari, Gopalganj, Purnia, and the South-West, South-East, and South-Central districts. The remaining districts are likely to experience hot days.

The IMD advises caution, particularly between 12 noon and 3 pm, when surface wind speeds are forecasted to range between 20-30 km per hour, escalating up to 40 km per hour. Residents are urged to stay indoors during this period, stay hydrated, and consider consuming ORS (Oral Rehydration Solution) or homemade beverages such as lassi, torani (rice water), lemonade, and buttermilk.

The soaring temperatures have already made their mark, with Shekhpura experiencing the highest recorded temperature on Saturday at a blistering 44.4 degrees C. Similarly, Patna reached a maximum of 41.4 degrees C, Gaya 42 degrees C, Bhagalpur 40.1 degrees C, Nawada 42.9 degrees C, Muzaffarpur 38 degrees C, and Bhojpur 42.2 degrees C.