KKN Gurugram Desk | While one part of Bihar prepares for thunderstorms and lightning, the other braces for intense heat and humidity. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued Yellow and Orange Alerts for 31 districts due to expected rain, thunderstorms, and lightning, while warning of a severe heat day in seven key cities including Patna, Ara, and Buxar. Weather fluctuations today are driven by a trough line and easterly winds entering the state from the Bay of Bengal.
Orange and Yellow Alerts issued for 31 districts
Thunderstorms, rain, and lightning expected
Severe heat warning in 7 cities including Patna
Temperature may drop by up to 3°C in the coming days
Winds could gust up to 60 km/h in select regions
The weather in Bihar is expected to fluctuate dramatically today, with contrasting conditions prevailing in different parts of the state. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted a complex mix of severe heat and thunderstorm activity, signaling an unstable atmosphere due to the formation of a trough line and the intrusion of easterly winds from the Bay of Bengal.
While northern and eastern Bihar may experience rain accompanied by lightning and thunderstorms, southern districts will battle with high humidity and rising temperatures, possibly leading to heatstroke conditions.
The IMD has placed a Yellow Alert for heat in seven cities in southern Bihar:
Patna
Ara
Buxar
Arwal
Sasaram
Bhabhua
Aurangabad
These areas are forecasted to experience a “Hot and Humid Day“, characterized by elevated maximum temperatures and high relative humidity, making conditions particularly oppressive.
According to meteorologists, heat indices could soar, making it feel 2–3°C warmer than the actual air temperature. Residents are advised to stay hydrated and avoid prolonged outdoor exposure during peak afternoon hours.
The capital city Patna is expected to witness partly cloudy skies, but no significant drop in temperature. Surrounding areas may receive light rainfall or experience thunderstorms, but Patna itself will remain hot and humid, causing discomfort for residents.
The urban heat island effect, common in major cities, may amplify the thermal sensation, leading to increased demand for electricity, water, and healthcare services.
The IMD has issued an Orange Alert—indicating more severe weather—for the following districts:
Supaul
Araria
Kishanganj
Madhepura
Saharsa
Purnia
Katihar
West Champaran
East Champaran
Gopalganj
Siwan
Saran
Buxar
Bhojpur
Kaimur
Rohtas
Arwal
These areas may experience thunderstorms, light to moderate rainfall, and wind speeds up to 60 km/h. There is also a risk of cloud-to-ground lightning, prompting advisories for people to remain indoors and avoid open areas during storm activity.
A Yellow Alert has been issued for:
Sitamarhi
Sheohar
Madhubani
Darbhanga
Muzaffarpur
Vaishali
Samastipur
Patna
Begusarai
Sheikhpura
Nalanda
Jehanabad
Gaya
Nawada
In these areas, wind speeds may range between 30–40 km/h, and thunderstorms with isolated lightning could occur. Though less intense than the Orange Alert zones, caution is still advised.
According to the IMD, two primary atmospheric factors are responsible for the changing weather:
A trough line (a low-pressure corridor) has developed across Bihar, which is a typical precursor to unstable weather conditions including rain, thunderstorm, and wind disturbances.
Moisture-laden easterly winds from the Bay of Bengal are contributing to increased humidity and the formation of cumulonimbus clouds, especially in northern and central Bihar.
These combined systems are not only causing convectional rainfall but also obstructing the free rise of temperatures in many parts of the state.
Due to rainfall and cloud cover, maximum and minimum temperatures across the state are expected to drop by up to 3°C in the next 2–3 days. While this will bring some relief in storm-hit districts, southern regions facing heatwave conditions may not experience significant temperature moderation immediately.
| City | Max Temp (°C) | Min Temp (°C) | Alert Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Patna | 40–41 | 27–28 | Heat (Yellow) |
| Purnia | 34–36 | 24–25 | Storm (Orange) |
| Gaya | 39–40 | 26–27 | Heat (Yellow) |
| Darbhanga | 35–36 | 25–26 | Storm (Yellow) |
| Ara | 41–42 | 28 | Heat (Yellow) |
Residents across Bihar are advised to follow the weather safety instructions issued by the IMD and district administrations:
Avoid using mobile phones in open areas
Stay away from isolated trees or electrical poles
Shelter indoors and unplug electronic devices
Drink plenty of water and electrolytes
Avoid outdoor activities from 12 PM to 4 PM
Use cotton clothing and cover the head when outside
In a recent development, Bihar’s meteorology department announced plans to implement Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools to predict storms and lightning events up to 10 days in advance. This advancement is expected to significantly improve disaster preparedness, especially in rural districts where lightning-related fatalities are historically high.
These erratic weather patterns are affecting daily routines, agriculture, power consumption, and health systems:
Farmers are reporting delays in fieldwork due to uncertainty in rainfall patterns.
Power grids are under stress due to rising demand from air conditioning and refrigeration.
Health concerns such as dehydration and heatstroke are rising, especially among vulnerable populations.
May 17, 2025, will go down as a day of climatic contrast for Bihar—with parts of the state battling violent storms and others wilting under the pressure of heat and humidity.
As these weather fluctuations increase in intensity and frequency, it reflects a broader climate change challenge for India’s densely populated states. Continuous monitoring, rapid response systems, and public awareness are key to minimizing human and material losses.
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