Patna: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an orange alert for eight districts in Bihar, warning of a heatwave and winds reaching speeds of 40 to 50 kilometres per hour. The districts affected are Buxar, Bhojpur, Kaimur, Rohtas, Aurangabad, Arwal, Nawada, and Banka. Additionally, an orange alert for rain has been issued for Arwal and Kishanganj, while a yellow heatwave alert covers other parts of the state.
Residents in many districts, including the capital Patna, are enduring extreme heat. Although Bettiah and Madhepura have experienced light cloud cover since this morning, no rainfall is expected. The IMD predicts relief from the heat from May 21, when rain and thunderstorms are likely in several districts.
The IMD has advised that hot winds of 40 to 50 km/h are expected between 12 pm and 3 pm today, urging people to stay indoors and remain hydrated.
A cyclonic circulation is expected to form over the Bay of Bengal on May 21, affecting the northern parts of Bihar. Light rain accompanied by thunder is anticipated in most northern districts on this date.
The monsoon is forecast to arrive in Bihar between 13 and 18 June. Last year, the monsoon entered Bihar via Purnia on June 13. This year, the IMD predicts rainfall to be 108 percent above normal, potentially benefiting farmers across the state.
