Patna: Bihar continued to swelter under oppressive heat on Sunday, with a heatwave officially declared in Motihari, East Champaran, where the mercury touched 41°C — six degrees above the seasonal average — according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD).
While Motihari was the only district to breach the official heatwave threshold, several other parts of the state experienced punishing temperatures above 40°C. Gaya recorded the highest at 41.8°C, followed closely by Sheikhpura (41.7°C), Valmikinagar, Dehri and Gopalganj (each 41.6°C). Patna wasn’t far behind at 40.7°C, while Banka and Khagaria logged 41°C and 40.8°C respectively. In northern Bihar, Forbesganj and Purnea also saw temperatures cross 40°C, registering 40.2°C and 40°C respectively.
Relative humidity levels varied between 15% in Aurangabad and 40% in Purnea, compounding the discomfort index and triggering concerns about heat stress, particularly for vulnerable populations.
According to the Patna meteorological centre, there is no significant change expected in maximum temperatures over the next three to four days. The weather forecast for May 12 includes the likelihood of heatwave conditions in Gopalganj, West Champaran, East Champaran, Bhagalpur, Patna, Sheikhpura, Chhapra and Banka. Hot and humid days are also expected in central and southern districts such as Gaya, Jamui, Khagaria, Nalanda and Supaul.
On May 13, the heatwave alert expands further to include Buxar, Rohtas, Aurangabad and Supaul among others, while hot and humid conditions will affect over 20 additional districts including Darbhanga, Madhubani, Muzaffarpur and Samastipur.
The IMD has advised residents to stay hydrated, avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight and wear light, breathable clothing. Children, the elderly and those with pre-existing health conditions have been urged to take extra precautions.
