Monsoon Stalls in Bihar: Heat and Humidity Grip State, Relief Likely After July 16

Patna: The monsoon has come to a complete halt in Bihar, with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) issuing no rain alerts for any district in the state today. Dry weather and scorching humidity have left residents grappling with discomfort, while concerns are mounting over the impact on agriculture due to a significant rainfall deficit.

According to the IMD’s Patna Centre, there will be no significant change in the state’s maximum and minimum temperatures over the next five days. The weather is expected to remain dry across all districts, with hot winds and high humidity levels continuing to make conditions oppressive.

However, there is a silver lining on the horizon. The monsoon is expected to regain momentum from July 16, driven by a developing low-pressure area over the Bay of Bengal and a northward shift in the monsoon trough line.

“These changes are likely to revive rainfall activity in Bihar, starting from the southern districts and gradually extending to northern parts of the state,” said an IMD official in Patna. Meteorological experts have confirmed that these developments will trigger the return of monsoon conditions and increase rain intensity across the region.

Rain Deficit and Its Impact on Agriculture

Bihar has received 53% less rainfall than normal so far this season. While the state typically records an average of 288 mm by this time of year, it has only received 136 mm to date. This severe shortfall is already impacting the state’s agricultural sector.

Paddy sowing, which is highly dependent on timely monsoon rains, has been severely disrupted. In many areas, fields remain dry, tractors cannot operate, and nursery saplings are withering due to a lack of moisture. Farmers are increasingly relying on diesel-powered irrigation to sustain their crops, adding to their financial burden.

“If the rains don’t resume within the next week, there could be a significant drop in paddy production,” warned a senior agriculture department official.

Today’s Weather in Patna

In the state capital Patna, the sky remained mostly clear today with a noticeable rise in temperature. The maximum temperature is expected to hover around 35–36°C, while the minimum will be around 27–28°C. With high humidity levels, residents may experience a higher real-feel temperature, particularly during the afternoon hours. No rainfall is predicted, and wind speeds will remain within normal range.

Temperature Snapshot: Past 24 Hours

Aurangabad emerged as the hottest location in Bihar in the past 24 hours, recording a maximum temperature of 37.4°C. Other districts like Patna, Motihari, and Chapra reported temperatures close to 35°C. Banka was the coolest, with a high of just 30.8°C.

Government on Alert

The prolonged dry spell has raised alarms within the state administration. The Water Resources Department has directed all district officials to closely monitor reservoir and canal water levels to ensure timely irrigation support where necessary.

With the monsoon expected to return by mid-July, officials hope that the upcoming rainfall will bring much-needed relief to both farmers and the general public.