Patna: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast heavy rainfall in parts of Bihar over the next two days, issuing warnings for several districts as the state continues to witness an uneven monsoon pattern. While North Bihar is receiving consistent rainfall, many districts in South Bihar are still facing near-drought conditions due to a significant rainfall deficit.
According to the IMD, Kishanganj, Katihar, West Champaran and Araria are likely to receive heavy rainfall on July 16 and 17. An Orange Alert has also been issued for Saharsa, Madhepura, Purnia, Supaul and several adjoining districts.
The weather department has predicted winds of 30-40 kmph across many parts of the state during this period. In Patna and other districts of South Bihar, skies are expected to remain cloudy with light rain or isolated thundershowers.
Bihar Records 41% Rainfall Deficit
Despite recent showers in parts of the state, Bihar’s monsoon remains weak overall. As of July 14, the state had recorded 41% below-normal rainfall, with South Bihar experiencing dry conditions while northern districts continue to receive substantial rainfall.
Three Killed in Lightning Incidents
Lightning strikes claimed three lives in Bihar on Wednesday, including a school student.
In Gaya, lightning struck three students on their way to school, killing one and critically injuring two others, who are undergoing treatment in hospital.
In Samastipur, two people, including a woman, died in separate lightning-related incidents in Lagma and Raipur Buzurg villages under the Sarairanjan block. A child also sustained severe burn injuries in one of the incidents.
Rainfall Recorded Across Several Districts
Heavy morning showers were reported on Wednesday in Patna, Bagaha, East Champaran, Begusarai, Samastipur, Gaya, Jehanabad, Sitamarhi and Purnia.
Meanwhile, Kaimur recorded the state’s highest maximum temperature at 37.3°C, while Patna registered 35°C.
Rising River Levels Trigger Concern
Continuous rainfall in neighbouring Nepal has led to rising water levels in several rivers flowing through Bihar. The Kosi, Gandak and Kamla rivers are flowing above the danger mark at several locations. Authorities reported that the highest water discharge of the season was recorded in these rivers on Tuesday.
The water level of the Ganga River has also started rising in Patna.
To manage the increasing inflow, authorities partially opened all 36 gates of the Valmikinagar Gandak Barrage, releasing around 175,000 cusecs of water into the Gandak River. The discharge has caused waterlogging in low-lying areas around the Valmikinagar forest and nearby villages.
Heavy Rain Likely Over the Next Week
The IMD has forecast heavy rainfall in several districts between July 16 and July 20, including Araria, Kishanganj, Katihar, East Champaran, West Champaran, Bhagalpur and Jamui.
In Patna, the weather department has predicted partly cloudy skies on Thursday, with one or two spells of rain or thundershowers likely during the day.
