Heatwave Grips Bihar for the Next Four Days

KKN Gurugram Desk | Starting Friday, residents of Bihar are expected to face a sustained spell of intense heat and high humidity lasting through the next four days, according to the latest update by the India Meteorological Department (IMD). While clouds hovered over Patna early this morning, the weather office has made it clear that any hope of rainfall or thunderstorm relief in the coming days is minimal. This pattern of dry, hot, and oppressive weather is likely to grip most parts of the state, raising concerns especially for vulnerable sections of the population.

Key Highlights: Bihar Weather Forecast

• Duration of Hot Spell: June 6 to June 9

• Heat and Humidity to Intensify: Especially during the day

• No Rain Relief: Thunderstorm and lightning activity likely to remain absent

• Cloud Cover in Patna: Overcast conditions noted, but no precipitation expected

• Heat Index Alert: High discomfort levels due to rising humidity

Clouds in Patna, But No Showers Expected

Patna, the state capital, woke up to a thick cover of clouds on Friday morning. While such conditions often hint at possible rainfall, the current weather model analysis suggests that the overcast sky is unlikely to convert into actual precipitation.

Experts at the Regional Meteorological Centre have clarified that this is due to the lack of significant moisture-laden winds from the Bay of Bengal, which are essential to trigger rainfall during the pre-monsoon period.

“The current atmospheric profile is not conducive for the development of convective clouds necessary for thunderstorms. The cloud cover is superficial and unlikely to lead to rainfall,” a senior IMD official stated.

Dry Heat with Rising Humidity: A Double Threat

The immediate concern is the double-edged impact of dry heat during the daytime and increasing humidity levels by evening. The absence of rainfall means that surface temperatures are rising steadily, while the trapped moisture in the lower atmosphere is adding to discomfort.

This situation is particularly troubling for:

• Outdoor workers and laborers

• Children and elderly

• Patients with respiratory conditions

The IMD has urged residents to stay hydrated and avoid direct sun exposure between 12 PM and 4 PM, when UV radiation is at its peak.

No Thunderstorms or Lightning Expected

Unlike the sporadic thunderstorms and lightning events experienced last month, the convective activity over Bihar is expected to remain negligible for the next few days. According to satellite data, there is no major low-pressure system developing over the eastern Gangetic plains or adjoining regions, which reduces the likelihood of cloudbursts or stormy weather.

This is also consistent with the pre-monsoon lull that often precedes the arrival of the Southwest Monsoon, which typically reaches Bihar in mid to late June.

District-Wise Weather Outlook

The heat will not be uniform across the state, but nearly all districts will experience above-average temperatures. Here’s a breakdown of the expected conditions:

Patna:

• Max Temp: 41°C | Min Temp: 29°C

• Cloudy morning, humid afternoon

• No rain forecast for next 3-4 days

Gaya:

• Max Temp: 42°C | High dry heat

• Strong winds likely during the day

• Precaution advised for farmers and laborers

Muzaffarpur & Darbhanga:

• Humidity to rise due to proximity to northern rivers

• Daytime heat to cause discomfort

• Slight breeze in evenings, but no rain

Bhagalpur & Purnia:

• Temperatures to hover around 39°C–40°C

• Intermittent clouding, high discomfort index

Health Alert: Risk of Heatstroke and Dehydration

The State Health Department has issued an advisory urging people to:

• Drink at least 3–4 litres of water daily

• Avoid caffeinated and sugary beverages

• Wear light, breathable clothing

• Stay indoors during peak sun hours

Hospitals and PHCs (Primary Health Centres) across the state have been asked to prepare for heat-related cases, including dehydration, heatstroke, and skin rashes.

“We are deploying additional medical staff in rural belts and have kept IV fluids and oral rehydration salts (ORS) in stock,” said an official from the Bihar Health Department.

What This Means for Agriculture

For Bihar’s predominantly agrarian economy, the current dry spell has mixed implications:

• Positive: Dry conditions allow farmers to complete pre-monsoon field preparations and harvest residual rabi crops

• Negative: Lack of rainfall delays sowing of kharif crops like paddy, which rely heavily on early monsoon showers

Experts recommend farmers to:

• Wait for an official monsoon onset advisory

• Avoid early sowing until the first significant rainfall

• Maintain soil moisture using traditional techniques like mulching

When Will the Monsoon Arrive in Bihar?

As of June 6, the Southwest Monsoon has entered Kerala and parts of Karnataka, progressing slowly towards central India. According to IMD’s long-range forecast:

• Bihar may receive its first monsoon showers between June 15 and June 20

• Current conditions do not support early onset

• La Niña-neutral conditions in the Pacific Ocean may cause slight variability in rainfall patterns

Expert Opinion: What to Expect Going Forward

Dr. A.K. Rai, a senior climatologist at Rajendra Prasad Agricultural University, told KKNLive:

“The absence of rainfall is not unusual during early June in Bihar. But rising humidity without rain can make the heat unbearable. This phase is transitional and will likely continue until the monsoon sets in around mid-June.”

Government Preparedness: What’s Being Done?

The Disaster Management Department has activated standard summer protocols:

• Water tankers dispatched to water-scarce areas

• Awareness campaigns on heatwave safety in schools and public places

• Coordination with power companies to ensure uninterrupted electricity supply for fans and coolers

Additionally, the education department is monitoring the heat situation and may declare heat holidays for schools if temperatures cross the danger mark of 43°C in urban districts.

Public Advisory from IMD

Residents are advised to:

• Monitor local weather updates via IMD app and official websites

• Avoid strenuous activities outdoors

• Keep pets and livestock in shaded areas with ample drinking water

• Use umbrellas, hats, and sunglasses when outdoors

• Prepare for power outages due to overloading of the grid

While Bihar waits for the first signs of monsoon, the current four-day heatwave period will test public health systems, power infrastructure, and agricultural planning. Patna’s cloudy skies may offer visual relief, but the reality on the ground is one of rising discomfort and public risk.

KKNLive will continue to monitor weather conditions, government advisories, and citizen responses as Bihar transitions from dry heat to monsoon readiness.