Heatwave Grips Bihar as Yellow Alert Issued in 17 Districts; Monsoon Likely by June 17
Patna: Residents of Bihar will continue to battle scorching heat and humidity over the next 48 hours, with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) issuing a yellow alert for heatwave conditions in 17 districts on Friday.
According to weather officials, while heatwave conditions persist across much of the state, isolated rainfall is expected in six districts, offering limited relief. Thunderstorms and strong winds may bring a slight dip of 2 to 3 degrees Celsius in some areas. In Patna, the day began with bright sunshine, although cloud cover and light rain are expected by evening.
Weather expert Anand Shankar attributed the ongoing discomfort to increased atmospheric moisture from both the Arabian Sea and Bay of Bengal. “This combination has made the air heavier and more humid. These conditions will likely continue for a few days. The monsoon is expected to reach Bihar between June 15 and 17,” Shankar said.
Heat Forces School Timing Changes
In response to the extreme weather, the Patna district administration has altered school schedules. All government and private schools up to Class 8 will function only till 11 am. Coaching centres have been directed to operate either till 11 am or resume after 4 pm. Pre-schools and Anganwadi centres will remain open only till 10 am. These measures will remain in effect until June 16.
Thursday’s Weather Recap: Rain in Kishanganj, Raxaul
Over the last 24 hours, districts like Kishanganj and Raxaul saw heavy rainfall, providing brief relief from the heat. Kishanganj experienced a sudden change in weather by afternoon, while Raxaul reported waterlogging in several areas due to intense showers.
On the other hand, Rohtas remained the hottest district with a maximum temperature of 42°C. Other hot spots included Chhapra (40.7°C), Gaya (40.5°C), and Patna (40.1°C).
Weather Forecast: What Lies Ahead
- June 13: Thunderstorms and lightning are likely in West Champaran, East Champaran, Siwan, Saran, and Gopalganj. Despite this, temperatures are expected to stay between 38°C and 40°C. Heatwave alerts are active for Patna, Nalanda, Sheikhpura, and 14 other districts, where conditions may worsen during the day.
- June 14: Rain is forecast in Sitamarhi, Madhubani, Muzaffarpur, Darbhanga, Vaishali, and Shivhar. Patna may witness cloudy skies and strong winds by late evening. Other districts are expected to see stable weather.
Awaiting the Monsoon
The Patna Meteorological Centre has indicated that rainfall may begin in multiple districts between June 13 and 14, potentially marking the advance of the southwest monsoon. “Once the monsoon sets in, there will be a noticeable temperature drop,” said a senior official.
Despite the forecast, no active weather system is currently present, and experts suggest that the state may have to wait another two to three days for monsoon conditions to materialize.
Why Is It So Hot and Humid?
Anand Shankar explained that current temperatures are 1 to 2 degrees Celsius above normal across most regions, while humidity levels hover between 50% and 60%. “This combination makes it feel even hotter than it actually is,” he noted.
As the state endures another spell of oppressive heat, all eyes are on the skies in hope of a timely and widespread monsoon arrival.
