Patna: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a heavy to very heavy rainfall alert for several districts of Bihar over the next seven days, with authorities advising residents to remain vigilant amid the risk of flooding, waterlogging and lightning.
On July 15, the IMD has forecast very heavy rainfall in Kishanganj, West Champaran and Araria, while Saharsa, Purnia and Supaul are also expected to receive heavy rain. Between July 16 and July 20, heavy rainfall is likely in Araria, Kishanganj, Katihar, East Champaran, West Champaran, Bhagalpur and Jamui.
In Patna, the weather is expected to remain cloudy over the next few days, with light rain likely at isolated places. Daytime temperatures are expected to hover between 32°C and 34°C. The weather department has urged people to avoid open fields and taking shelter under trees during thunderstorms due to the risk of lightning strikes.
The state continues to witness contrasting weather conditions. While North Bihar has been receiving widespread rainfall, several parts of South Bihar are facing near drought-like conditions. According to IMD data, Bihar has recorded 191.4 mm of rainfall against the normal 324 mm up to July 14, leaving the state with a 41% rainfall deficit this monsoon season.
During the past 24 hours, rainfall was reported in Raxaul, Khagaria, Katihar and parts of Patna during the morning, while Madhepura witnessed heavy showers later in the day. In Raxaul, heavy rain led to severe waterlogging, with two to three feet of water inundating several residential streets and localities.
Despite scattered rainfall, hot and humid conditions persisted in many districts. Buxar recorded the state’s highest maximum temperature at 38.7°C, followed by Darbhanga at 36.7°C, while Patna continued to experience humid weather with intermittent sunshine and cloud cover.
Meanwhile, continuous rainfall in neighbouring Nepal has caused water levels in several rivers across North Bihar to rise. The Bagmati River has swollen in Muzaffarpur district, submerging the Katra pontoon bridge, which connects Aurai and Katra blocks.
The Ganga River is also witnessing a steady rise in water levels in Patna and Munger. In Munger, the river has approached the danger mark, inundating agricultural fields and triggering riverbank erosion in the Diara region.
Officials also said water continues to be released from the Kosi Barrage to regulate river flow.
According to the IMD, most parts of Bihar are likely to witness cloudy skies and light to moderate rainfall over the next three days, with isolated spells of heavy rain in some districts. No major change in the overall weather pattern is expected immediately, although humid conditions and intermittent thunderstorms are likely to continue across the state.
