Patna: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a yellow alert for rain accompanied by strong winds and lightning in 26 districts of Bihar today, including Patna, Begusarai, Bhagalpur, and Purnia. The alert indicates the potential for localized disruptions due to inclement weather.
While these districts are expected to witness moderate to heavy rainfall, the weather will remain relatively stable in other parts of the state, with cloudy skies prevailing.
36% Rainfall Deficit in June
Bihar is already facing a monsoon shortfall. According to the Meteorological Centre, the state received 113.6 mm of rainfall in June against the average of 174.8 mm — a deficit of 36%.
Looking ahead, the IMD has predicted that most parts of Bihar are likely to receive below-normal rainfall in July as well. The state typically receives 340.5 mm of rainfall in July, but with the monsoon’s sluggish progression, that figure may not be met.
Weather in the Last 24 Hours
In the past 24 hours, heavy rain lashed several districts including Patna, Bhagalpur, Bhojpur, Munger, and Lakhisarai. Patna experienced a typical monsoon mix: morning showers, a brief sunny spell in the afternoon, and sudden downpours in the evening, offering some relief but also adding to the humidity due to high moisture levels in the air.
Monsoon Systems Behind the Change
Meteorologists attribute the current weather to an active monsoon trough line stretching from Sriganganagar to the east-central Bay of Bengal via Rohtak, Kanpur, Varanasi, and Jharkhand.
Additionally, a low-pressure area persists over the Gangetic plains of West Bengal and neighboring North Odisha. A related cyclonic circulation is active and expected to shift westward and northward over the next 24 hours, intensifying monsoon activity in several districts of Bihar.
Higher Temperatures and Humid Heat Ahead
Temperatures are also expected to stay above normal in July. Typically, Bihar sees maximum temperatures ranging from 32°C to 36°C and minimum temperatures between 24°C and 28°C in this month. However, this year, both maximum and minimum temperatures may remain elevated, causing increased humidity and discomfort for residents, particularly farmers.
On Tuesday, Darbhanga recorded the highest temperature at 35.6°C, while Banka was the coolest at 32.2°C.
Impact on Agriculture
With less-than-expected rainfall and rising humidity, concerns are mounting among farmers who rely on consistent monsoon showers for sowing paddy and other kharif crops. Experts suggest close monitoring of the rainfall trend in the first two weeks of July to assess the impact on the sowing season.
