KKN Gurugram Desk | The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast light rainfall with thunder over the next two days in Muzaffarpur, potentially offering a brief respite from the ongoing summer heat. According to the latest weather bulletin issued on Monday, the region is likely to witness a drop in temperatures due to western disturbances affecting parts of North Bihar.
Article Contents
IMD Forecast: Rain and Thunder Expected in Muzaffarpur
In a weather advisory released by the Meteorological Centre, experts noted that light rainfall accompanied by thunder is likely across Muzaffarpur over the next 48 hours. This shift is attributed to a fresh western disturbance influencing atmospheric patterns across northern India.
Senior meteorologist Dr. A. Sattar from Dr. Rajendra Prasad Central Agricultural University, Pusa, confirmed this trend and said:
“The influence of the western disturbance is strengthening once again in the region. We expect intermittent showers across Muzaffarpur and neighboring districts for two days.”
Weather Cooling Down: Rain to Bring Short-Term Relief
On Monday, both day and night temperatures dropped slightly compared to the previous 24 hours. The maximum temperature fell by 1°C, settling at 33.5°C, which is 1.5 degrees below normal. Similarly, the minimum temperature dropped to 21.5°C, 2.2 degrees lower than the seasonal average.
This change, although modest, is a welcome break from the intense heatwave conditions that prevailed in the region through April.
Temperature Drop Stats (Last 24 Hours)
| Parameter | Value Recorded | Normal Range | Variation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Maximum Temperature | 33.5°C | ~35°C | -1.5°C |
| Minimum Temperature | 21.5°C | ~23.7°C | -2.2°C |
| Wind Speed | 8 km/h (easterly) | — | Normal |
| Morning Humidity | 91% | 75–85% | High |
| Afternoon Humidity | 67% | 45–55% | Elevated |
Humidity and Wind Conditions: A Closer Look
The easterly winds have been blowing at a speed of 8 km/h, creating mild breezes during the daytime. Humidity levels have shown notable variation:
-
Morning Humidity rose to 91%, leading to a somewhat sultry start to the day.
-
By afternoon, it dropped to 67%, indicating some drying out in the atmosphere, likely driven by wind movement.
High humidity combined with moderate heat could lead to increased discomfort, making rainfall a critical factor in improving weather conditions.
What to Expect After May 8
While the current forecast suggests temporary relief, the heat may return after May 8, according to Dr. Sattar and IMD reports. A sharp rise in temperature is likely to resume by the end of the week, with potential highs crossing 36–38°C in the region.
“Expect a return of dry conditions and rising temperatures from Thursday onward,” the IMD bulletin added.
Agricultural Advisory: What Farmers Should Know
With light rain expected, agricultural experts have advised farmers in and around Muzaffarpur to:
-
Delay irrigation in paddy nurseries and vegetable fields until after rainfall.
-
Use natural moisture for seedbed preparation.
-
Monitor crops for fungal infections due to high humidity.
The impact of these showers could be beneficial for crops like maize, pulses, and seasonal vegetables, especially in maintaining soil moisture ahead of the pre-monsoon season.
Health Precautions Amid Weather Fluctuations
As temperatures fluctuate and humidity increases, health professionals advise the public to:
-
Stay hydrated
-
Avoid outdoor activity during peak sun hours (12–3 PM)
-
Protect against sudden temperature changes, especially for the elderly and children
-
Monitor for symptoms of heat stress, viral infections, and dehydration
Short-term rain can often lead to mosquito breeding grounds, increasing risks of vector-borne diseases like dengue and malaria in urban areas. Authorities are expected to issue public health advisories accordingly.
Historical Context: May Rainfall in Bihar
Over the past 10 years, Muzaffarpur has seen irregular pre-monsoon showers in May. However, consistently high humidity and above-average temperatures have raised concerns about long-term climate shifts.
| Year | May Rainfall (mm) | Avg. Temp (°C) | Observed Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 11 mm | 35.4°C | Heatwave continued |
| 2023 | 24 mm | 33.1°C | Relief before monsoon |
| 2022 | 0 mm | 36.9°C | Severe dry conditions |
| 2021 | 15 mm | 34.8°C | Moderate heat relief |
Local Response and Preparedness
The Muzaffarpur Municipal Corporation and District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) have been alerted for:
-
Drainage clearance in case of waterlogging
-
Power supply monitoring during thunderstorms
-
Issuance of public SMS alerts on real-time weather changes
Residents are urged to follow updates from official IMD sources and avoid relying on unverified social media claims.
While light rain and lower temperatures are forecasted to bring temporary relief to Muzaffarpur over the next 48 hours, the region is expected to return to hot and dry conditions post-May 8. This pre-monsoon fluctuation should serve as a reminder for residents, farmers, and policymakers to stay alert, plan proactively, and follow official weather advisories.
