Patna, June 2 – The southwest monsoon is expected to arrive in Bihar right on schedule, between June 13 and June 14, starting from the northeastern district of Purnia, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD). This timely arrival comes despite a slight delay in the monsoon’s onset over Kerala this year.
Ashish Kumar Singh, head of the Patna Meteorological Centre, confirmed that there are no signs of early monsoon advancement for the state. “We are expecting the monsoon to arrive at its usual time. Rainfall during June is likely to be above normal,” Singh said
Above-Normal Rainfall Forecast
Bihar typically receives around 59.1 mm of rainfall in June. However, the IMD has predicted that rainfall may exceed this average across many parts of the state this year, which would benefit the agriculture-dependent economy. The monsoon’s timely and strong arrival could provide crucial support to farmers preparing for the sowing season.
Temperature Trends in the State
Alongside the rainfall prediction, the IMD’s extended forecast warns of rising temperatures in many parts of Bihar. In some northeastern districts, maximum temperatures are expected to exceed normal levels, while other areas may experience slightly cooler than average conditions.
Minimum temperatures across most of the state are also likely to remain above normal, with an estimated 40% probability. Usually, minimum temperatures in June range from 28°C to 30°C.
“Rain activity will gradually reduce over the next two to three days. Thunderstorm activity will also decline, and strong westerly winds will push temperatures higher,” Singh added.
Weather Conditions This Week
According to IMD data, Bihar will witness dry weather over the coming days, with only isolated rainfall expected in a few pockets of north Bihar. Temperatures may rise as high as 40°C in some regions during the next three days.
On Sunday, Patna recorded the highest temperature in the state at 40.6°C, while Valmiki Nagar saw the lowest minimum temperature at 24.6°C. IMD has forecast that the minimum temperature in most areas will stay between 26°C and 30°C until June 7.
Importance of Timely Monsoon
The arrival of the monsoon is critical for Bihar, a state where a large portion of the population relies on agriculture for their livelihood. A delayed or weak monsoon often leads to crop stress, water shortages, and economic hardship for farmers.
This year’s forecast of timely and above-normal rainfall has brought optimism to both farmers and government planners. The agriculture department is likely to use this forecast to coordinate its support measures, including seed distribution, irrigation planning, and crop insurance schemes.