Patna: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an orange alert for heavy rainfall in 19 districts of Bihar over the next 48 hours, warning of intense showers and strong winds reaching up to 30 km/h. A yellow alert has also been issued for the remaining districts, signalling light to moderate rain.
Districts under orange alert include Araria, Kishanganj, Banka, Bhagalpur, and Jamui, while South Bihar, including Patna, is expected to remain largely cloudy with intermittent rain. The IMD also forecasted a rise in maximum temperatures by 1 to 2°C in many parts of the state, with high humidity likely to persist.
Kosi River Swells, Barrage Gates Opened
In a related development, continuous heavy rainfall in Nepal has led to a surge in the water level of the Kosi River. As a precaution, authorities opened 26 gates of the Kosi Barrage, releasing over 1.73 lakh cusecs of water by 6 pm on Wednesday. This has heightened flood concerns in downstream areas.
Rainfall and Weather Conditions in the Past 24 Hours
In the last 24 hours, parts of Buxar and Aurangabad received rain, while Darbhanga remained overcast. North Bihar witnessed sudden weather changes on Wednesday morning, with overcast skies and light drizzle in several districts.
In Supaul, Tuesday night’s rainfall resulted in waterlogging on roads and farmlands by Wednesday morning. However, humidity remained high throughout the day. Patna, Madhepura, and Nalanda experienced hot and humid conditions. Motihari was the hottest district, recording a temperature of 38.2°C, while Patna reached 37°C.
Patna Weather Forecast
Patna is expected to remain partly cloudy on Thursday, with chances of light to moderate rainfall. The temperature is likely to hover between 33°C and 35°C, with a minimum of around 26°C. Light evening showers accompanied by cool winds may offer some relief, but humidity is expected to linger.
Upcoming Weather Alerts
- July 25: Heavy rain likely at isolated locations in Samastipur, Kaimur, Rohtas, Aurangabad, Gaya, Nawada, Jamui, Banka, Begusarai, and Khagaria.
- July 26: Alerts issued for Kaimur, Rohtas, Aurangabad, Gaya, Nawada, Saran, and Bhojpur.
- July 27: Heavy rain expected in Siwan, Buxar, and Bhojpur.
Monsoon Deficit Raises Alarm for Agriculture
Bihar has received 43% less rainfall than normal this monsoon. From June 1 to July 23, the state recorded only 236 mm of rain, against the average of 414 mm. In Patna, the shortfall stands at 43%, with just 205 mm of rainfall instead of the expected 367 mm.
In contrast, Jharkhand has experienced 55% surplus rain, highlighting the regional disparity.
Meteorologists attribute the low rainfall to the weakening of monsoon currents and reduced moisture inflow from the Bay of Bengal. While easterly winds have brought humidity, it hasn’t reached the saturation level necessary for consistent heavy rain.
Impact on Kharif Crops
Agricultural scientists warn that continued rain deficiency could severely impact Kharif crops, particularly paddy transplantation, which remains incomplete in several districts. Even where transplantation has occurred, a lack of water has caused plants to turn yellow, signaling potential crop damage.
Unless normal or heavy rainfall resumes by early August, Bihar could face an agricultural crisis, compounding existing concerns over food security and rural livelihoods.
