Bihar officially welcomed the southwest monsoon on Tuesday, with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasting moderate to heavy rainfall across the state over the next four days. The arrival brings hope to farmers and relief from the prolonged summer heat but also raises caution as alerts for heavy rain and thunderstorms have been issued.
The monsoon entered Bihar through its eastern districts, namely Banka, Bhagalpur, Katihar, Purnia, Kishanganj, Araria, Madhepura, Saharsa, and Supaul. IMD predicts that the rest of the state will see monsoon coverage within 48 hours.
In Patna and other central districts, scattered showers are expected to begin from Wednesday, gradually intensifying.
Heavy Rain Alert for 8 Districts
IMD has issued a heavy to very heavy rainfall alert (orange alert) for these eight districts:
- Araria
- Purnia
- Katihar
- Bhagalpur
- Jamui
- Banka
- West Champaran
- Kishanganj
This alert indicates the potential for localized flooding and waterlogging. People in these areas are advised to avoid low-lying zones and remain indoors during intense rainfall.
Thunderstorms and Winds in 18 Districts
An orange alert for thunderstorms and lightning has also been declared in 18 districts, including:
Patna, East Champaran, Siwan, Saran, Gopalganj, Buxar, Bhojpur, Rohtas, Kaimur, Aurangabad, Arwal, Jehanabad, Gaya, Nawada, Nalanda, Sheikhpura, Lakhisarai, and Begusarai.
These regions may witness gusty winds between 40 and 50 km/h, increasing the risk of treefalls and power disruptions. Residents are urged to stay updated with local alerts.
Heat Persists in Patna Despite Monsoon Onset
Surprisingly, Patna and nearby districts may continue experiencing high temperatures between 38°C and 40°C for the next two days, even after monsoon arrival.
To protect students from the scorching heat, District Magistrate Thiyagarajan S M has ordered the closure of all government and private schools, coaching centres by 11 am, and pre-schools and anganwadis by 10 am until June 20.
Gradual Temperature Relief Expected
Though the daytime heat persists, minimum temperatures are forecast to dip by 2°C to 4°C in the next 3–4 days as rainfall activity increases.
On Tuesday, Bhojpur recorded the state’s highest temperature at 40.5°C, while Valmiki Nagar in West Champaran was the coolest at 23.5°C. Most other districts remained below 40°C.
What to Expect Next
With the monsoon making swift progress, more districts will likely experience rainfall in the coming days. However, the combination of rain and heat might lead to humid conditions. IMD continues to monitor the situation closely.
Farmers, students, and daily commuters are advised to plan ahead, avoid unnecessary travel during storms, and stay connected to official weather alerts through IMD or district administration channels.