Patna: A strong weather system is sweeping across Bihar, bringing much-needed relief from the scorching summer heat. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued storm and rain alerts for as many as 32 districts of the state today, Tuesday.
Seven districts, including Gaya, Nawada, and Sheikhpura, are under an orange alert, with warnings of wind speeds reaching up to 60 km/h and a high possibility of lightning. Meanwhile, 25 districts, including Patna, Nalanda, Jehanabad, and Begusarai, are under a yellow alert where winds may blow at 40 km/h accompanied by thunderstorms and light rain.
Early Monsoon Predicted for Bihar
Adding to the weather drama, the IMD has confirmed that Bihar is likely to witness the earliest onset of monsoon in the last five years. Typically expected around June 15, this year’s monsoon could arrive as early as June 10 or 11.
“The southwest monsoon has already advanced from Kerala to Meghalaya, and the conditions are favorable for its early arrival in Bihar,” said an official from the Patna Meteorological Centre.
Storms Bring Relief From Heat
The easterly winds blowing across Bihar have brought down daytime temperatures, offering much-needed respite from the intense heat of late May. In the past 24 hours, districts like Saharsa and Katihar received light rainfall. Despite Rohtas recording the highest temperature on Monday at 35.2°C, there has been no heatwave-like condition, thanks to the cooling influence of moist winds.
No Intense Heat During Nautapa
Interestingly, this year’s Nautapa — the nine-day period traditionally marked as the hottest phase of the summer starting May 25 — is expected to be milder than usual. According to meteorologists, the presence of moist winds from the Arabian Sea and Bay of Bengal has increased humidity levels to around 80 percent, which, while keeping temperatures high, is also triggering frequent rain and thunderstorms.
“This unusual pattern has prevented the development of extreme heatwave conditions,” the IMD explained. “Even though maximum temperatures touched 43.6°C in some places like Rohtas, the presence of easterly winds and cloud cover helped keep conditions bearable.”
Cool April-May: Why It Happened
From March to May, the state experienced limited westerly winds, traditionally responsible for dry heat. Instead, easterly winds dominated, blowing across Bihar for most of the period. “Out of 90 days, westerlies were active for only 16 days,” a senior meteorologist noted. “The rest of the time, moist and cooler easterly winds shaped the state’s weather pattern.”
Citizens Advised to Stay Alert
With thunderstorms, strong winds, and lightning likely across many parts of the state, authorities have urged people to remain cautious, avoid open fields during lightning activity, and secure loose objects that could be affected by gusty winds.
As Bihar awaits the early onset of the monsoon, today’s changing skies mark a shift toward wetter, cooler days ahead.
