Orange Alert in Bihar: 13 Districts to Witness Strong Storms, Lightning, and Hail

Patna: As Bihar continues to reel under an intense heatwave, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an orange alert for thunderstorms, heavy rain, lightning, and strong winds in multiple districts over the next few days. The weather is expected to undergo a significant shift between April 26 and April 30, according to the Meteorological Centre in Patna.

The alert includes a warning for gusty winds ranging from 60 to 70 km/h, along with lightning and hailstorms in several areas. The IMD has predicted rainfall between 10 mm and 50 mm during this period, which could disrupt daily life and potentially damage standing crops and fruit-bearing trees.

13 Districts on High Alert

The orange alert specifically applies to the northern parts of East and West Champaran, Sitamarhi, Muzaffarpur, Madhubani, Darbhanga, Supaul, Madhepura, Araria, Saharsa, Khagaria, Katihar, Purnia, and Kishanganj. In these districts, thunderstorms accompanied by lightning and strong winds are expected within the next 24 hours.

Meanwhile, Patna and nearby districts have also been warned of thunderstorms and lightning on April 27. Hailstorm alerts are in effect for East Champaran, Shivhar, Madhubani, Supaul, Araria, and Kishanganj.

Public and Agricultural Impact

Authorities have urged residents to take shelter during thunderstorms and avoid open areas to prevent lightning-related accidents. The changing weather is likely to impact agriculture significantly, especially in areas where crops are still in the field. Farmers are being advised to take preventive measures to protect their produce.

Heatwave Peaks Across State

Before the anticipated change in weather, the scorching sun made life difficult across Bihar. On Friday, temperatures soared across the region, with Gaya and Dehri both recording a sweltering 43.4°C — even higher than Jaipur, which reported 42.0°C. Patna wasn’t far behind, registering a maximum of 41.6°C.

Districts including Patna, Gopalganj, Siwan, Saran, Buxar, Bhojpur, Bhabua, Rohtas, Aurangabad, Gaya, Nawada, Jehanabad, Nalanda, Vaishali, Samastipur, Begusarai, Sheikhpura, Jamui, and Banka are expected to witness heatwave conditions through Saturday before the weather is likely to offer some relief later in the evening.

Temperature Trends

While the maximum temperature rose in most parts of Bihar on Friday, exceptions included Buxar, Pusa, Supaul, Forbesganj, Araria, and Motihari, where mercury levels remained relatively stable.