KKN Gurugram Desk |  The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a heat and humidity alert for 13 districts of Bihar, including the capital Patna, warning residents of persistent high temperatures in southern regions and thunderstorms in the north. While southern Bihar continues to reel under intense heat, the northern parts may receive temporary respite in the form of light showers and thunderstorm activity.

Key Weather Highlights in Bihar:

• Patna recorded a maximum temperature of 40.4°C

• Dehri emerged as the hottest spot with 42.2°C

• IMD issues yellow alert for thunderstorms in northern Bihar

• Heavy rainfall recorded in Madhepura (32 mm) and other districts

• Monsoon likely to reach Bihar between June 18 and 20

Extreme Heat Persists in Southern Bihar

Southern Bihar, including Patna, Gaya, Dehri, and surrounding districts, continues to suffer under scorching heat and high humidity levels, with no immediate relief in sight. The IMD’s regional center in Patna has predicted that though temperatures may drop slightly over the next 24 hours, the heat index—which combines temperature and humidity—will remain high, causing considerable discomfort to residents.

The 13 districts under heatwave and humidity alert include:

• Patna

• Gaya

• Nalanda

• Aurangabad

• Jehanabad

• Rohtas

• Bhojpur

• Buxar

• Arwal

• Nawada

• Lakhisarai

• Sheikhpura

• Jamui

People are advised to stay indoors during peak afternoon hours, hydrate frequently, and avoid prolonged sun exposure.

Northern Bihar Braces for Thunderstorms and Gusty Winds

In contrast to the southern belt, several parts of northern Bihar are witnessing intermittent rainfall, thundercloud activity, and gusty winds. The IMD has issued a yellow alert warning of:

• Thunderstorms

• Lightning strikes

• Winds speeding at 30–40 km/h

Districts such as Madhepura, Khagaria, Bhagalpur, Purnia, Katihar, Supaul, and Saharsa have already recorded light to moderate rainfall, which has brought temporary relief from the otherwise oppressive heat.

Rainfall data recorded over the past 24 hours includes:

• Madhepura (Puraini): 32 mm

• Khagaria (Baltara): 22.8 mm

• Bhagalpur (Bihpur): 15.8 mm

• Purnia (Dhengraghat): 12 mm

• Katihar (Amadabad): 8.2 mm

• Saharsa (Nauhatta): 7.2 mm

• Araria (Narpatganj): 1.4 mm

• Supaul: 0.2 mm

Monsoon Progress Update: Relief Expected Soon

The long-awaited Southwest Monsoon has yet to arrive in Bihar, but the latest IMD bulletin suggests positive developments. According to the forecast, monsoon currents are likely to advance over parts of Vidarbha, Chhattisgarh, and Odisha within the next two days, followed by its gradual movement into parts of Gujarat, West Bengal, Jharkhand, and Bihar.

Based on current meteorological patterns, experts estimate that the monsoon could reach Bihar between June 18 and 20, although no official confirmation has been issued by IMD Patna regarding the exact date of onset.

This delay in the monsoon’s arrival is being felt acutely in southern Bihar, where farming activities are stalled and residents are battling extreme heat conditions. Farmers across the state are eagerly awaiting rains to commence Kharif crop sowing, especially paddy cultivation, which is heavily dependent on timely rainfall.

People Struggle with Heat and Humidity

Friday witnessed another oppressively hot and humid day across the southern districts of Bihar. Streets remained sparsely populated during midday hours, and people who ventured outside could be seen drenched in sweat. Low wind speeds combined with high atmospheric moisture have intensified the “feels-like” temperature, making conditions worse than what thermometers reflect.

In Patna, even basic daily activities are being disrupted due to the sweltering heat, with reports of increased cases of heat exhaustion and dehydration in hospitals.

Precautionary Measures for Residents

As both extreme heat and thunderstorm risks coexist in different regions of Bihar, the Meteorological Department and Disaster Management Authorities have issued the following public safety advisory:

For Heatwave-Prone Areas:

• Avoid going out between 12 PM and 4 PM

• Stay hydrated; drink water regularly even if not thirsty

• Wear light-colored, loose-fitting cotton clothes

• Do not leave children or pets in parked vehicles

• Check on elderly neighbors or those living alone

For Areas under Thunderstorm Alert:

• Stay indoors during thunderstorm activity

• Avoid sheltering under trees during lightning

• Disconnect electrical appliances if lightning is imminent

• Farmers should avoid working in open fields during storm warnings

Looking Ahead: Hope for Cooler Days

With the monsoon expected to arrive within a week, there is growing hope that Bihar will soon experience relief from the ongoing heatwave. However, until the southwest monsoon officially covers the state, people must brace for volatile weather conditions, with alternating spells of extreme heat in the south and stormy weather in the north.