Patna: The monsoon has temporarily stalled across Bihar, with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasting only light rainfall in select districts today. A yellow alert has been issued for six districts, including Banka and Jamui, where overcast conditions and isolated showers are expected. However, the rest of the state will continue to reel under hot and humid conditions.
According to IMD Patna, monsoon activity is expected to revive only after July 16, once a fresh weather system develops over the Bay of Bengal.
Why Has the Monsoon Paused?
Meteorologists have attributed the monsoon break to the absence of a strong system over the Bay of Bengal. Additionally, the lack of interaction between western winds from the Arabian Sea and south-eastern winds from the Bay of Bengal has hindered cloud formation and rainfall in Bihar.
Another contributing factor is the southward shift of the monsoon trough line, which has led to increased rainfall in neighboring states such as Jharkhand, Odisha, and Chhattisgarh, while weakening monsoon conditions in Bihar.
“This situation is likely to persist for the next 5 to 6 days,” an IMD Patna official said.
Weather Snapshot: Past 24 Hours
Heavy rain lashed parts of Patna overnight, while sporadic showers were also reported in Hajipur, Supaul, and Madhepura. However, overall rainfall remained limited across the state.
Aurangabad recorded the highest maximum temperature at 38.2°C on Wednesday, followed by Chapra (36.8°C), Motihari (34.0°C), and Banka, which was the coolest at 30.6°C.
The department has warned of a 2-3°C rise in temperatures in the coming days, likely intensifying humidity and discomfort.
Forecast: Heatwave-Like Conditions to Persist
In Patna, daytime temperatures are expected to hover between 33°C and 36°C for the next few days. Though light rain may occur on July 11, it is unlikely to bring much relief. In fact, heat may intensify further on July 12 and 13 due to strong sunlight.
Monsoon Weakening Trend Since 2020
Data from the IMD indicates a consistent decline in July rainfall in Bihar since 2020. The Sawan season has seen only light showers, usually arriving nearly two weeks late.
The trough line, which typically brings rain to southern Bihar during early monsoon, tends to shift towards central India, reducing rainfall in northern regions. Significant precipitation now largely occurs in August and September, during the monsoon’s withdrawal phase.
This year, 20 districts — including Patna, Buxar, Jehanabad, Bhojpur, Arwal, Vaishali, Aurangabad, and Chapra — are likely to receive up to 50% less rainfall than normal.
Outlook
The IMD remains hopeful of a monsoon revival post-July 16, pending the formation of a new system over the Bay of Bengal. Until then, residents across Bihar will need to brace for more days of sweltering heat and minimal rain.
