The weather in Bihar continues to remain under the influence of the monsoon, and according to the latest forecast from the India Meteorological Department (IMD), a yellow alert has been issued across 32 districts of the state. On Friday, 19 September 2025, the IMD confirmed that light to moderate rain will occur in several areas, while some districts are expected to witness heavy rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms and lightning. The alert has raised concern for residents, farmers, and disaster management authorities, as Bihar has already been dealing with widespread waterlogging and flood-like conditions in several regions.

Yellow Alert Across 32 Districts of Bihar

The IMD’s weather bulletin states that 32 districts of Bihar are under the yellow alert zone. These districts include Kishanganj, Araria, Purnia, Supaul, Madhubani, Sitamarhi, Sheohar, Madhepura, Saharsa, Katihar, West Champaran, East Champaran, Gopalganj, Siwan, Saran, Vaishali, Samastipur, Khagaria, Munger, Bhagalpur, Banka, Jamui, Lakhisarai, Sheikhpura, Begusarai, Muzaffarpur, Darbhanga, Rohtas, Kaimur, Bhojpur and Buxar. The impact of the monsoon system is particularly strong in north Bihar and the Seemanchal region, where heavy showers have already been recorded in the past week.

According to weather officials, these districts will experience intermittent rainfall, with certain pockets expected to record intense showers. Along with rain, strong winds and lightning strikes are also predicted. Residents have been urged to remain alert, as lightning-related incidents pose a major risk during this period.

Heavy Rainfall Likely in Select Districts

Kishanganj, Araria, West Champaran and Gopalganj are among the districts where heavy rainfall is most likely. These areas, located in the northern and northwestern parts of Bihar, often remain vulnerable during the peak monsoon season due to their geographical positioning near river basins. Authorities have asked local administrations to monitor river water levels closely, as additional rainfall could aggravate the existing flood situation.

In contrast, southern Bihar, including the Patna and Gaya regions, is likely to receive only light rainfall. However, even a brief spell of rain in these areas could bring much-needed relief from humid conditions that have persisted for several days. The IMD predicts that the maximum temperature may drop by two to three degrees, settling around 31 to 32 degrees Celsius, while the minimum temperature is expected to hover around 24 to 25 degrees Celsius.

Relief and Risks for Farmers

The forecast has brought mixed reactions from the farming community. On one hand, the showers are expected to benefit standing crops such as paddy, maize and pulses, which require consistent water supply at this stage of growth. On the other hand, farmers remain anxious about the possibility of excessive rainfall, which could trigger flooding in low-lying fields and destroy the yield.

Bihar’s agricultural sector heavily depends on the monsoon, and timely rainfall ensures better productivity. However, the challenge lies in managing the balance between adequate water and excessive inundation. Farmers in flood-prone areas of north Bihar have expressed concern, pointing out that many villages are already surrounded by stagnant water, and additional rainfall may make it impossible to access fields for routine work.

Bihar’s Ongoing Flood Challenges

The yellow alert comes at a time when large parts of Bihar are already grappling with waterlogging and flood-like situations. Districts such as Darbhanga, Muzaffarpur, Supaul and Madhubani have reported that several panchayats are inundated, forcing people to wade through knee-deep water to carry out daily activities. Floods are not new to Bihar, but this year’s prolonged rainfall has worsened the scenario.

Relief camps have been set up in several districts, yet many affected families are still struggling to find shelter and food. In rural areas, where kutcha houses are common, the constant rain has weakened structures, increasing the risk of collapse. Villagers have also raised concerns over the spread of waterborne diseases such as diarrhoea and dengue, which usually rise during prolonged wet conditions.

IMD Advisory for Residents

The India Meteorological Department has appealed to people to remain indoors during thunderstorms and to avoid open fields, tall trees and waterlogged areas. Lightning incidents claim several lives in Bihar each year, making it one of the states most vulnerable to lightning fatalities.

Residents have also been asked to monitor official updates and follow safety guidelines issued by the local administration. Disaster management authorities have kept rescue teams on standby in flood-prone districts to ensure timely evacuation if river water levels rise further.

Monsoon Activity Likely to Continue

Weather scientists believe that the monsoon activity in Bihar will remain active for at least the next two to four days. During this period, fluctuations in rainfall intensity will be observed, with some districts receiving moderate showers and others facing heavy downpours. The presence of monsoon troughs and low-pressure systems in the Bay of Bengal has been influencing Bihar’s weather patterns for the past several weeks, leading to prolonged rainfall episodes.

The IMD has clarified that while September marks the retreating phase of the monsoon in northern India, Bihar often witnesses extended spells of rain during this time. This year appears no different, as the state is likely to continue receiving rainfall even towards the end of September.

Impact on Daily Life and Urban Areas

In urban centres such as Patna, Muzaffarpur and Bhagalpur, rainfall has led to traffic congestion, waterlogging on main roads and disruption of public transport services. Commuters have been facing difficulties as vehicles get stranded in flooded streets. Authorities in Patna have deployed additional pumps to drain water from low-lying localities, but the situation remains far from normal.

School schedules have also been affected in flood-hit districts, as authorities are prioritising safety and have advised parents to avoid sending children out during intense rainfall hours. Business activities, particularly in weekly markets and rural haats, have slowed down as vendors struggle to set up stalls in rain-soaked areas.

Government Preparedness and Relief Measures

The Bihar government has assured that it is monitoring the weather developments closely. District administrations have been instructed to remain on high alert and to coordinate with disaster management teams. Relief materials such as dry food, drinking water and medical kits are being stocked in vulnerable areas to respond quickly in case of emergencies.

Health officials have also been directed to set up mobile medical units in areas where access to hospitals is limited due to waterlogging. Efforts are underway to ensure that essential supplies such as electricity, clean water and medicines reach flood-affected families without delay.

Long-Term Concerns and Climate Pattern Shifts

Experts have pointed out that Bihar’s recurring flood and rainfall challenges highlight the urgent need for long-term solutions. Climate change has been altering rainfall patterns, with more intense and erratic downpours observed in recent years. This has increased the risks for states like Bihar, where river basins such as Kosi, Gandak and Bagmati already pose flooding threats during the monsoon season.

Environmentalists suggest that improved embankment structures, better drainage systems in urban centres and sustainable farming practices can reduce the adverse impact of such weather events. The state government has also been urged to strengthen early warning systems and increase awareness about lightning safety among rural populations.

According to the IMD, Bihar will continue to witness cloudy skies and rainfall activity for the next few days. Districts in north Bihar and the Seemanchal region remain under close observation as they are expected to bear the maximum impact of this weather system. Residents have been advised to prepare for wet conditions, avoid unnecessary travel and take safety measures during thunderstorms.

For farmers, the coming days are crucial. Adequate rain will support crop growth, but excessive downpours may harm agricultural activities. Urban residents are hoping that light showers will bring relief from humid conditions without adding to the problem of waterlogging.