KKN Gurugram Desk | As intense summer heat continues to trouble the residents of Bihar, the weather has finally begun to shift. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a heavy rainfall alert for all districts of Bihar, ahead of the monsoon’s official arrival. In its latest bulletin, the IMD placed 12 districts under an Orange Alert and 26 districts under a Yellow Alert, citing the risk of thunderstorms, lightning, and localized heavy showers.

The alert comes as dense clouds covered parts of North and East Bihar on Sunday evening, signaling a dramatic change in weather conditions. On Monday, rain activity is expected to intensify, especially in the eastern and northern districts.

Orange Alert in 12 Bihar Districts: IMD Urges Caution

The Orange Alert issued by IMD is a call for authorities and residents to be on high alert and prepare for possible severe weather. The 12 districts expected to face heavy to very heavy rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms and lightning include:

1. Kishanganj

2. Purnia

3. Araria

4. Katihar

5. Supaul

6. Madhepura

7. Saharsa

8. Madhubani

9. Darbhanga

10. Sitamarhi

11. Sheohar

12. East Champaran

Residents in these areas have been advised to stay indoors during heavy rain and avoid open fields, tall structures like trees and towers, and areas prone to waterlogging.

Yellow Alert for 26 Districts: Precautionary Measures Advised

In addition to the Orange Alert, a Yellow Alert has been issued for 26 other districts in Bihar. While these areas are not expected to face extremely heavy downpours, moderate rainfall with occasional thunderstorms and lightning is anticipated.

The IMD’s Yellow Alert is a cautionary advisory urging people to remain vigilant, especially during the evening and night hours when thunderstorms are more likely to intensify.

Weather Change Brings Relief and Humidity

Early Monday morning, light rain showers were recorded in some parts of Patna, providing temporary relief from the heat. However, the increased moisture in the air and cloud cover have also led to higher humidity levels, resulting in muggy and uncomfortable conditions across many parts of South Bihar.

Weather officials expect more widespread rainfall later in the day and evening, particularly in Patna, Gaya, Nalanda, and nearby regions.

 Lightning Risk: IMD Issues Special Advisory

Along with the rain, the IMD has warned of lightning strikes, especially in the districts under the Orange Alert. Several regions in Bihar are vulnerable to frequent cloud-to-ground lightning, which poses a serious threat to both life and property.

People are urged to follow these lightning safety guidelines:

• Avoid open fields and water bodies during thunderstorms.

• Do not shelter under isolated trees or near tall structures like mobile towers.

• Switch off electrical appliances and avoid handling wired electronics during storms.

• Farmers should suspend fieldwork and seek shelter during thunderstorm warnings.

Lightning-related incidents have historically caused casualties in Bihar during the pre-monsoon and monsoon seasons, making it imperative for the public to stay informed and take timely precautions.

 Farmers Alerted: Exercise Caution During Field Work

With agriculture being the backbone of Bihar’s rural economy, farmers are among the most at-risk groups during sudden weather shifts. The agriculture department, in coordination with the meteorological department, has issued advisories urging farmers to:

• Monitor weather updates regularly.

• Avoid fieldwork during rain and thunderstorm alerts.

• Protect crops and secure farming equipment in advance of rainfall.

• Stay updated through local Krishi Vigyan Kendras and Panchayat-level disaster response units.

 Southwest Monsoon Expected to Enter Bihar by June 17–20

According to the IMD’s forecast, the Southwest Monsoon is likely to enter Bihar between June 17 and June 20. Once active, it is expected to cover most parts of the state by June 25.

This year’s monsoon is projected to be normal to slightly above normal, bringing much-needed relief to drought-prone and water-scarce districts. A robust monsoon will also benefit the kharif sowing season, which includes major crops like paddy, maize, and pulses.

“If monsoon arrival happens as predicted, most parts of Bihar can expect consistent rainfall starting from late June. This will be a key factor in resolving irrigation concerns and boosting agricultural productivity,” a senior IMD scientist stated.

 Current Temperature Drop and Rainfall Effect

Prior to this shift, several parts of Bihar were experiencing extreme heat, with temperatures soaring past 42°C. However, Monday’s cloud cover and early showers have brought some relief, with temperatures in Patna and other urban centers dipping by 2–3°C.

Yet, due to high humidity levels ranging between 60% to 80%, the heat index remains high, making it uncomfortable during the day despite the slight drop in actual temperature.

 District-wise Weather Preparedness: What Local Administrations Are Doing

District administrations in the high-alert zones have begun to activate disaster response protocols, including:

• Setting up emergency control rooms

• Dispatching teams to monitor flood-prone zones

• Ensuring functioning of drainage systems in urban areas

• Preparing rescue and relief teams in rural belts

In vulnerable districts like Kishanganj, Purnia, and Supaul, local authorities are coordinating with block development officers to assess risk-prone low-lying areas.

With the monsoon knocking on Bihar’s doorstep, the IMD’s heavy rainfall alert across all districts—especially the Orange Alert in 12 regions—marks the beginning of the pre-monsoon phase. While the showers are expected to bring respite from oppressive heat, they also bring risks of thunderstorms, lightning, and urban flooding.