KKN Gurugram Desk | Bihar continues to face extreme and contrasting weather conditions. Southern regions including Patna are grappling with intense heatwaves, while the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a yellow alert for thunderstorms and lightning in seven districts in North Bihar. The state is caught between searing heat and sudden storm threats, impacting both rural and urban populations.

Extreme Weather Patterns Divide Bihar: Heatwave in South, Storms in North

While southern Bihar, including the capital Patna, Dehri, Gaya, and Aurangabad, faces daily temperatures exceeding 40°C, parts of northern Bihar such as Supaul, Araria, and Kishanganj have witnessed light rainfall and thunderstorm activity.

This unusual divergence in weather across regions has created challenges for public health, agriculture, and administration. According to the Bihar Weather Update, these fluctuations are expected to persist throughout the week.

Yellow Alert Issued for Seven Northern Districts

The IMD has issued a yellow alert for lightning, thunderstorms, and strong winds (30–40 km/h) in the following districts:

• Supaul

• Araria

• Saharsa

• Madhepura

• Purnia

• Katihar

• Kishanganj

The alert is valid for the next 24 hours, and residents have been urged to stay indoors during thunderstorm activity, particularly avoiding open areas like fields.

Lightning fatalities remain a critical concern in Bihar during the summer months. Hundreds of lives are lost every year due to a lack of precaution. This alert should be treated with utmost seriousness.

Northern Bihar Receives Light Rainfall: Brief Relief from Heat

Some regions in northern Bihar received light to moderate rain, which has led to a slight dip in temperature. Rainfall recorded in the past 24 hours includes:

• Kishanganj (Pothia): 11.4 mm

• Araria (Sikti): 4.6 mm

• Araria (Palasi): 4.2 mm

• Kishanganj (City): 2.6 mm

• Araria (Jokihat): 2.4 mm

• Purnia (Baisa): 2.4 mm

While this has brought some respite to residents, increased humidity levels have offset much of the relief. The overall discomfort index remains high in these regions.

Southern Bihar Boils: Dehri Hottest at 43.2°C

The hottest city in Bihar on Wednesday was Dehri, where the temperature peaked at 43.2°C. The capital Patna recorded a sharp 3.2°C rise to reach 40.9°C, intensifying daytime heat and creating unbearable nighttime conditions as well.

Other high-temperature zones included:

• Gaya: 42.6°C

• Aurangabad: 41.7°C

• Buxar: 42.7°C

• Bhojpur: 41.6°C

• Banka: 41.1°C

Temperature Rise in Major Cities

Day-Night Temperature in Key Cities

Nighttime temperatures continue to remain above normal, offering no thermal relief and raising concerns for health and agriculture.

Health Risk Advisory: Extreme Heat May Trigger Illnesses

Healthcare professionals are warning that prolonged exposure to extreme heat can result in:

• Heatstroke

• Dehydration

• Skin infections

• Respiratory issues

Vulnerable groups such as elderly citizens, children, and those with chronic illnesses are especially at risk.

Hospitals across the state have been alerted, with ambulances and rural health centers on standby. Temporary cooling centers may be set up if conditions worsen.

IMD Public Guidelines for Safety During Heat and Storms

Residents are advised to follow safety protocols:

• Avoid going outdoors between 11 AM to 4 PM

• Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated

• Wear light cotton clothing

• Avoid strenuous activities during peak hours

• Do not shelter under trees or open fields during thunderstorms

• Follow updates from official weather bulletins

These precautions are particularly important for farmers and daily wage laborers working outdoors.

Four-Day Outlook: Heat to Persist, Storm Threat in North

The weather department forecasts that southern Bihar will remain under a severe heatwave for at least four more days. Meanwhile, northern Bihar may continue to experience thunderstorms and lightning, though no heavy rainfall is anticipated.

The monsoon onset is still weeks away, and no signs of early advancement have been recorded in Bihar. Dry and hot westerly winds are expected to dominate the climate in the coming days.

Government Response and Relief Measures

The Bihar State Disaster Management Authority has taken the following steps:

• Emergency helplines activated in vulnerable districts

• Afternoon school shifts suspended in severely affected areas

• Instructions to power companies to ensure uninterrupted electricity for cooling appliances

• Awareness drives launched at the panchayat level to educate rural populations

Community radio and mobile alerts are being used to disseminate real-time weather and safety updates.

Impact on Agriculture and Daily Life

With no rainfall in southern Bihar, agricultural operations have been affected. Seed sowing activities are delayed in some regions due to dry soil conditions. Livestock farmers are also reporting water scarcity issues.

Meanwhile, urban residents are dealing with frequent heat stress, power cuts, and increased demand for drinking water. In Patna, local authorities have begun rationing water supply in several wards.

Bihar stands at a climatic crossroad. The south is parched and baking, while the north faces the risk of lightning strikes and erratic rainfall. The next few days are critical for both government and residents to prepare, act, and stay safe.