Heatwave Alert Issued for 30 Districts in Bihar as Temperatures Expected to Soar

Patna: The Patna Meteorological Center has issued a heatwave warning for one or two locations across 30 districts, including Patna, from May 16 to 18. According to the latest forecast, light rain is possible in the Mithilanchal and Seemanchal areas on May 19. The maximum temperature is expected to rise by 2 to 4 degrees Celsius over the next four days.

SK Patel, a scientist at the Patna Meteorological Science Center, reported that wind directions are changing, contributing to the anticipated rise in temperatures. The cyclonic circulation that had been affecting Bihar for the past week has weakened, resulting in maximum temperatures exceeding 40 degrees Celsius in nine districts. On Tuesday, Buxar recorded the highest temperature at 41.9 degrees Celsius, while Patna’s maximum temperature increased by three degrees, reaching 39 degrees Celsius in the last 24 hours.

In a broader meteorological update, the monsoon is projected to advance to the Andaman and Nicobar Islands by May 19 and is expected to reach Kerala by June 1. This progression suggests that the monsoon may arrive in Bihar on schedule. The shift from easterly to westerly winds since Tuesday has intensified the heat.

The forecast for May 16 predicts heatwave conditions at one or two places in the north-west and south-central regions of the state, with hot day conditions expected in the north-west, north-central, and south-east regions. On May 17, heatwave conditions are anticipated at one or two places in the north-west, south-west, and south-central regions of the state, while hot day conditions are expected in the remaining areas. For May 18, heatwave conditions are forecasted at one or two places in the north-west, north-central, and southern regions of the state, with hot day conditions likely in the other parts.