Heavy Rains Lash Bihar: IMD Issues Yellow Alert, Thunderstorms and Lightning Expected Till May 7

KKN Gurugram Desk | Bihar is witnessing a dramatic shift in weather patterns as heavy rain, thunderstorms, and even hailstorms disrupt daily life in several districts. As the month of May begins, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued yellow alerts across multiple regions, including the state capital Patna. The forecast warns of continued adverse weather conditions until at least May 7, 2025, raising concerns among residents and authorities alike.

Current Weather Conditions in Bihar

On the morning of May 2, residents of Patna and several other districts in Bihar woke up to intense thunderstorms, loud lightning, and hail showers, marking the onset of an extended period of unseasonal rain. Commuters faced waterlogged streets, while traffic disruptions and power cuts were reported in parts of the capital and nearby towns.

IMD’s Patna centre confirmed that heavy to very heavy rainfall is expected to continue over the next several days due to a significant rise in atmospheric moisture levels.

Districts Affected and Rainfall Patterns

According to the IMD’s bulletin, the following regions are experiencing or are likely to experience heavy rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms and lightning:

• Patna

• Gaya

• Nalanda

• Muzaffarpur

• Bhagalpur

• Darbhanga

• Purnia

• Samastipur

Each of these areas has been placed under yellow alert status. The rains, driven by a combination of western disturbances and localized atmospheric instability, have caused flash flooding in low-lying areas and raised fears of damage to agriculture and infrastructure.

What is a Yellow Weather Alert?

A yellow alert, as issued by the IMD, is a cautionary signal that urges citizens to remain vigilant. It indicates potential weather-related hazards, including:

• Disruptions in daily activities

• Possible localised flooding

• Power supply interruptions

• Risks to vulnerable infrastructure

• Danger from lightning strikes and falling trees

Residents are advised to stay indoors during peak weather activity and avoid unnecessary travel.

Expert Insight: Why Is It Raining in May?

Typically, May is known as a pre-monsoon month in Bihar with rising temperatures. However, the current bout of intense rainfall is being attributed to the increased humidity in the lower troposphere and the interaction between western disturbances and moist easterly winds from the Bay of Bengal.

According to a senior IMD scientist based in Patna:

“The atmospheric moisture content is unusually high for this time of year. This, combined with cyclonic circulation in eastern India, is triggering heavy downpours and thunderstorms. The situation may persist till May 7.”

Public Advisory: IMD Urges Caution and Preparedness

Given the forecast, the Meteorological Centre in Patna has issued a three-day advisory from May 2 to May 5, with extended caution advised through May 7. Key recommendations include:

• Avoid stepping out during heavy rain or thunderstorms.

• Stay indoors, especially during lightning activity.

• Secure outdoor items such as tin roofs or hoardings.

• Farmers are advised to delay irrigation and protect standing crops.

• Avoid sheltering under trees during thunderstorms.

Schools and local administrative bodies are also on alert, and some institutions have announced early closures.

Impact on Agriculture and Rural Bihar

The intense and unseasonal rainfall poses a serious threat to Bihar’s predominantly agrarian economy. Crops like maize, pulses, and early sown paddy may face damage due to waterlogging and hail impact.

In some parts of North Bihar, standing crops have already been affected. Farmers have voiced concerns about possible fungal infections and soil erosion caused by incessant rainfall.

The Agriculture Department is monitoring the situation closely and is expected to announce compensation measures if losses escalate.

Lightning Hazards: A Growing Concern in Bihar

Bihar is one of the states most vulnerable to lightning-related deaths in India. With lightning forecasted for several districts, authorities are urging citizens to take lightning safety seriously.

Lightning safety tips from the Bihar Disaster Management Authority include:

• Do not use mobile phones or other electronic devices during lightning.

• Stay away from windows, water sources, and open fields.

• Avoid tall trees and isolated structures.

• Turn off electrical appliances during a storm.

Urban Infrastructure Under Pressure

Cities like Patna and Muzaffarpur, already burdened by inadequate drainage systems, are facing the brunt of urban flooding. Traffic jams, power cuts, and blocked sewers have become common over the past two days.

Municipal officials have deployed water pumps in flood-prone areas and opened emergency helplines. Still, residents report slow response and insufficient resources.

Health and Sanitation Risks Rise

Continuous rain and stagnant water can lead to the spread of waterborne diseases such as diarrhea, cholera, and skin infections. The Health Department has issued advisories to ensure the cleanliness of drinking water and to avoid waterlogging in residential areas.

Hospitals have been asked to remain on alert for emergency admissions related to weather exposure and lightning-related injuries.

Climate Pattern Shift?

Meteorologists are also raising alarms over the increasing frequency of extreme weather events in Bihar. From unexpected heatwaves to early monsoons and now unseasonal hailstorms, these shifts hint at a broader climate change impact on the region’s weather cycle.

Climate researchers are calling for updated disaster preparedness frameworks and better integration of climate adaptation strategies into Bihar’s development planning.

As Bihar battles this unexpected onslaught of rain, the IMD and state authorities are closely monitoring the situation. With thunderstorms, lightning, and heavy downpours expected to continue till May 7, public cooperation and timely information dissemination remain key.

Residents are urged to follow weather advisories, prepare for possible power disruptions, and help vulnerable individuals stay safe.