The monsoon continues to remain strong in Bihar, bringing heavy showers across several districts. The Indian Meteorological Department has predicted rainfall in more than half of the state today. According to the forecast, the next three hours are crucial as at least eight districts may receive heavy downpours.
Residents have been urged to remain indoors during rainfall and avoid unnecessary travel. The warning covers districts including Supaul, Araria, Kishanganj, Bhagalpur, Sheikhpura, and Begusarai. The weather pattern indicates that rain will spare only western Bihar for now, while other regions remain under strong cloud cover.
IMD Issues Heavy Rain Alert
The Meteorological Department has officially issued a heavy rain alert for Bihar. The alert highlights the risk of thunderstorms, lightning, and winds blowing at 30 to 40 kilometers per hour. The sudden changes in weather have already disrupted normal life in several cities, while rural regions prepare for possible flooding in low-lying areas.
For the past week, continuous rainfall has been observed across Bihar. On Saturday, the intensity of showers increased again, forcing the weather office to release repeated warnings. The IMD stressed that people should avoid venturing outdoors during thunderstorms.
Forecast for September 20
Today, on September 20, weather scientists expect heavy rain across most parts of Bihar except western districts. The areas most likely to be affected include Supaul, Araria, Kishanganj, Bhagalpur, Sheikhpura, and Begusarai. Strong winds may accompany the showers, while lightning strikes remain a major concern for vulnerable regions.
The IMD has issued a yellow alert to ensure residents take adequate precautions. The department has requested people to stay indoors during the next three hours, especially in regions under high alert.
Patna Weather Conditions
The state capital Patna is not expected to receive rain today, but cloudy skies remain. The maximum temperature is forecast to stay below 30 degrees Celsius, while the minimum may range between 24 and 25 degrees Celsius. Weather scientists believe that rainfall may return to Patna in the coming days.
Due to cooler winds and cloud cover, residents will likely get some relief from humidity. However, with rain predicted later in the week, waterlogging issues could resurface. Civic authorities are already preparing to handle possible disruptions.
Why is the Monsoon Active Again?
Meteorologists have explained the reason behind the strong monsoon activity. A trough line has formed at 0.9 kilometers above sea level. It extends from northwest Uttar Pradesh across Bihar, sub-Himalayan West Bengal, and into eastern Bangladesh.
This system has increased monsoon activity over Bihar. Additional weather systems active around the state have also strengthened rainfall. As a result, the monsoon has regained its intensity and is expected to remain active for several more days.
Eight Districts Under Special Watch
Within the next three hours, heavy rain is expected in at least eight districts. These include Supaul, Araria, Kishanganj, Bhagalpur, Sheikhpura, Begusarai, and nearby regions. These areas may also witness thunderstorms and lightning. The IMD has advised farmers to avoid working in open fields during thunderstorms.
Residents have also been urged not to take shelter under trees during lightning strikes. Civic bodies in affected districts have been instructed to prepare for waterlogging and ensure drains remain clear.
Weather Conditions Across Bihar
Apart from the eight districts under immediate alert, more than half of Bihar may witness rainfall. Northern Bihar districts remain more vulnerable due to the impact of moisture from the Bay of Bengal. The risk of rising river levels in Supaul and Kishanganj also remains high.
Southern Bihar, including Gaya, Nalanda, and Aurangabad, may see scattered showers. Rainfall is expected to be lighter here compared to northern and eastern regions. Even so, strong winds could disrupt transport and communication lines in these areas.
Temperature Variations
Continuous rainfall and cloudy skies have led to a decline in daytime temperatures across Bihar. The maximum temperature in most cities is expected to remain between 28 and 30 degrees Celsius. Night temperatures may stay close to 24 degrees, giving residents relief from earlier humidity.
Meteorologists confirm that the drop in temperatures is directly linked to strong monsoon activity. If rainfall continues, further decline of two to three degrees Celsius can be expected.
Impact on Daily Life
Rainfall in Bihar over the last week has already created widespread waterlogging. In many districts, daily commuters face challenges due to flooded streets. Public transport, including buses and auto rickshaws, is moving slower than usual.
Schools and colleges in rain-affected districts are also facing difficulties. Students and office-goers are struggling to reach destinations on time due to heavy traffic jams caused by water accumulation. In rural areas, kutcha roads are damaged, making travel difficult.
Agricultural Impact
Farmers across Bihar remain both worried and hopeful due to the ongoing rainfall. While continuous showers damage standing crops in low-lying fields, late-sown paddy and maize may benefit from sufficient water. The IMD has requested farmers to monitor fields carefully and avoid working outdoors during thunderstorms.
Agricultural experts suggest that the rainfall could support soil moisture levels necessary for the rabi season. However, excess water in fields may damage crops if the rain persists without a break.
River Levels and Flood Concerns
Districts near the Nepal border are keeping a close watch on rising river levels. Rivers such as Kosi, Bagmati, and Gandak may swell due to continuous rainfall. At present, no major flood warning has been issued, but authorities are on alert.
The Disaster Management Department is prepared for possible evacuations in case water levels rise suddenly. Relief teams have been asked to remain on standby in vulnerable areas.
Health and Safety Risks
Doctors warn that stagnant water after continuous rainfall may increase mosquito-borne diseases like dengue and malaria. The Health Department has advised residents to prevent water collection in open areas, rooftops, and containers. Awareness campaigns are being conducted to reduce disease outbreaks during the monsoon season.
Thunderstorms and lightning pose another major risk. The IMD has reported frequent lightning strikes in northern and eastern districts during the last week. Villagers have been urged to stay indoors during such weather events.
Transportation and Power Supply
Heavy rainfall has disrupted transportation in many parts of Bihar. Trains have been delayed due to waterlogged tracks, while buses are running behind schedule. Road traffic in urban centers like Patna, Bhagalpur, and Muzaffarpur is moving slower due to water accumulation.
Thunderstorms have also affected power supply in several districts. Temporary blackouts have been reported after strong winds damaged poles and transformers. Repair teams are working to restore electricity in affected areas.
Precautionary Measures Suggested
The IMD has appealed to citizens to avoid unnecessary travel during heavy showers. Residents have been asked to stay away from waterlogged streets where electrocution risks remain high. People in low-lying areas are advised to shift belongings to higher places as a precaution.
Emergency helplines are active to provide support in case of urgent situations. Civic bodies are ensuring pumps remain operational in waterlogged zones of Patna and Bhagalpur.
Outlook for the Coming Days
Weather scientists predict that monsoon activity will remain strong in Bihar for the next few days. Continuous rainfall with intervals of heavy showers is likely across several districts. The trough line remains active and is expected to fuel rain until it weakens.
Residents of Bihar are advised to remain cautious, follow IMD updates closely, and prepare for possible disruptions. The pattern of rain combined with strong winds and thunderstorms may continue until the system loses strength.
Bihar is witnessing active monsoon conditions once again, with rainfall predicted across more than half the state. The IMD has issued alerts for eight districts in the next three hours, urging residents to remain safe indoors. Heavy showers, thunderstorms, and lightning are expected to continue for the next few days.
Patna may remain dry today, but rainfall is likely to return soon. With falling temperatures, residents may feel relief from humidity, though challenges like waterlogging, traffic disruptions, and health risks remain. The state government and disaster management teams are on alert, while citizens are advised to stay cautious during this period of intense monsoon activity.