KKN Gurugram Desk | The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has once again issued a weather alert for Bihar, warning of potential thunderstorms, heavy rainfall, lightning, and strong wind activity across various districts. The forecast brings both caution and relief — while the predicted weather may pose hazards, it also promises respite from the intense summer heat that has gripped the region.

On Thursday, the IMD has issued an Orange Alert for several parts of the state, including Patna, Buxar, Rohtas, Sitamarhi, Samastipur, Muzaffarpur, Darbhanga, Madhubani, Araria, Katihar, Kishanganj, Purnia, Gopalganj, Siwan, Nalanda, and Jehanabad.

Key Weather Predictions:

• Wind Speed: 50–60 km/h gusty winds

• Rainfall: Moderate to heavy rainfall expected

• Lightning: High probability of cloud-to-ground lightning strikes

• Thunderstorms: Likely in all affected districts

Understanding the Orange Alert: What It Means for Bihar

An Orange Alert is issued when there is a moderate to high risk of weather-related hazards. It is the second-highest alert in the IMD’s four-color warning system — Green (No Warning), Yellow (Watch), Orange (Be Prepared), Red (Take Action).

In this context, the Orange Alert signals that people in the mentioned districts should:

• Avoid unnecessary travel

• Seek shelter during thunderstorms

• Stay away from open areas, trees, and water bodies

• Secure loose outdoor items

• Unplug electronic appliances to prevent surge damage from lightning

Districts Under Weather Threat: Region-wise Breakdown

1. North Bihar:

• Sitamarhi, Madhubani, Araria, Kishanganj, Katihar, Purnia

These regions may experience intense thunderstorms and heavy downpours, especially during the late afternoon and evening hours. Visibility may drop significantly due to rainfall, disrupting transportation and local mobility.

2. Central Bihar:

• Patna, Samastipur, Muzaffarpur, Darbhanga, Nalanda, Jehanabad

Central Bihar, particularly urban areas like Patna, may see power outages, waterlogging, and traffic disruptions. The combination of lightning and gusty winds also increases the risk of infrastructure damage.

3. Western Bihar:

• Buxar, Rohtas, Gopalganj, Siwan

The western zone is expected to witness high-velocity winds, which could cause damage to crops, hoardings, and weaker structures. Locals are advised to exercise caution while stepping out, especially during peak storm hours.

Meteorological Context: Why Is Bihar Facing This Weather Pattern?

The sudden atmospheric instability over Bihar is due to the formation of a low-pressure trough across the eastern Gangetic plains, coupled with inflow of moisture from the Bay of Bengal. Such weather systems typically lead to pre-monsoon thunderstorms, locally referred to as “Kalbaisakhi” or Nor’westers.

These weather conditions are not unusual in the month of May, as the pre-monsoon phase intensifies. However, the increased frequency and unpredictability of such events may point toward broader climate variability and changing weather patterns in the region.

Public Safety Measures: How Authorities and Citizens Should Respond

For the Public:

• Stay indoors during thunderstorms

• Refrain from taking shelter under isolated trees

• Avoid contact with metal objects

• Stay informed via official weather updates

For the Government and Local Authorities:

• Set up emergency helplines in high-risk zones

• Ensure backup power supply in hospitals and critical facilities

• Conduct tree-trimming operations to reduce fall risks

• Activate disaster response teams in vulnerable districts

Impact on Daily Life: Possible Disruptions in Bihar

The IMD’s forecast may impact agriculture, transportation, and public utilities:

1. Agriculture:

The sudden rainfall and wind could damage standing crops, especially maize, mango orchards, and summer vegetables. Farmers are urged to harvest mature crops in advance and secure agricultural infrastructure.

2. Transport:

Storms may disrupt road, rail, and local air travel, especially in districts like Patna and Muzaffarpur. Motorists should drive cautiously and avoid waterlogged areas.

3. Power and Communication:

Lightning and windstorms often lead to power cuts and disrupted mobile networks. Authorities are working to maintain communication lines and restore electricity as needed.

Relief from Heat: A Welcome Change in Temperature

While the severe weather presents dangers, it also brings a silver lining: relief from oppressive summer temperatures. Bihar has been facing heatwave-like conditions, with temperatures soaring to above 40°C in many places.

The upcoming rainfall is expected to bring down temperatures by 4-6°C, providing temporary relief to residents and improving air quality in urban centers.

Weather Forecast for the Next 3 Days

Day 1 (Thursday):

• Heavy rainfall in Orange Alert districts

• Wind speed up to 60 km/h

• High lightning activity

Day 2 (Friday):

• Scattered thunderstorms expected in north-central Bihar

• Wind speed may reduce to 30-40 km/h

• Light rain in southern regions

Day 3 (Saturday):

• Dry spells possible

• Cloud cover to persist

• Marginal drop in humidity levels

The IMD’s Orange Alert for Bihar is a clear reminder of the power of nature and the need for preparedness. As Bihar transitions from summer toward the monsoon, such weather events will become more frequent.