The weather in Bihar has once again shifted dramatically. Early morning brought cool winds, followed by dense black clouds covering the sky. Yet the most concerning development is the rising water level of the Ganga and other rivers, which has already flooded hundreds of villages. The changing weather pattern has created fear of further damage, especially when the monsoon has already shown unusual behavior this season.
Monsoon Weakens but Rain Alert Continues
According to the Meteorological Department, the monsoon pace in Bihar has slowed down. Despite weaker activity, several districts are expected to receive heavy to moderate rainfall in the coming days. On Saturday, the weather office issued a yellow alert for 32 districts. This alert is a warning for residents to remain cautious, as heavy downpours combined with thunderstorms may create difficult conditions.
West Champaran, East Champaran, Gopalganj, and Bhagalpur are likely to witness heavy rainfall. Meanwhile, Patna, Gaya, Muzaffarpur, Darbhanga, and Purnea are expected to experience moderate showers. Lighter rainfall is predicted in Bhojpur, Buxar, Kaimur, Rohtas, and Aurangabad. Along with rainfall, thunderstorms and lightning strikes may also pose serious risks.
Ganga and Karmanasha Rivers Rising
The danger from rivers is intensifying. The Ganga and Karmanasha rivers have been swelling, and villages close to their banks are under serious threat. As of now, 502 villages across Bihar are submerged due to the rising river water. In Patna and Munger, the flood situation is particularly severe, with water levels surpassing safe limits.
In Munger, the Ganga is flowing 59 centimeters above the warning level. This has led to stronger riverbank erosion and threatens several settlements. Villages in Patna, Bhojpur, Vaishali, Bhagalpur, Khagaria, Katihar, Madhepura, and Nalanda are also badly affected, as floodwaters have entered agricultural land and homes.
Farmers Face Double Trouble
The combination of heavy rainfall and river floods has struck farmers with double losses. Crops have been damaged across multiple districts, and the Kharif season has been particularly affected.
In Patna district alone, more than 20,000 hectares of farmland across 115 panchayats in 13 blocks have been destroyed. Paddy, maize, and vegetables are the worst-hit crops. With standing water in fields and continuing rain, hopes of recovery are low.
The Agriculture Department has invited farmers to apply under the Agricultural Input Grant Scheme (2025-26). Through this program, compensation will be provided to those who lost crops due to flood and rain damage.
Monsoon Deficit and Future Outlook
The state has received 28 percent less rainfall than average so far this monsoon. The monsoon trough line has shifted away, which has reduced rainfall activity. This deficit has worried both farmers and policymakers.
However, meteorologists are predicting a revival. From September 1, the monsoon is expected to become active again, which may bring widespread rainfall across the state. This upcoming phase of rainfall may reduce the overall deficit and support agriculture.
Relief Expected in September
Agriculture experts believe that the fate of the Kharif season depends on September rains. If good rainfall occurs in the first and second weeks of September, the impact of current losses may reduce. Paddy cultivation in particular may recover if fields receive sufficient water. Experts warn, however, that continued flooding could still destroy crops even if rainfall increases.
Patna Weather Today
In the state capital Patna, Saturday is expected to remain partly cloudy with light rain. Despite the rainfall, humidity levels will remain high, and residents will continue to face discomfort. The maximum temperature may reach 34 degrees Celsius, while the minimum is likely to stay near 26 degrees Celsius.
Impact on Daily Life
Rising water levels and unpredictable rainfall patterns have disturbed daily life across Bihar. Villages close to rivers are witnessing mass displacement, with families moving to higher ground. Roads are blocked in several regions, affecting transport and essential supplies. In towns and cities, waterlogging has become a recurring issue after even short spells of rain.
The flood situation has also triggered health concerns. Stagnant water in villages is creating fear of water-borne diseases. Local administrations are setting up relief camps, but resources remain limited compared to the scale of damage.
Ganga’s Threat to Urban Areas
The overflowing Ganga has become the biggest threat to urban areas like Patna and Munger. Authorities are keeping a close watch on embankments, as erosion has intensified. Any breach in embankments could lead to disastrous flooding in densely populated towns.
Experts say that with the Ganga already crossing the warning level, further rainfall in catchment areas of Nepal and Uttar Pradesh may worsen the situation.
Floods and Agriculture Loss
The twin challenges of floods and monsoon deficit have created a complex situation for farmers. Those in low-lying areas are losing crops to floods, while regions with reduced rainfall are suffering from drought-like conditions. Such extremes have highlighted the vulnerability of agriculture in Bihar to climate change.
Government Measures
The Bihar government has directed district administrations to stay on alert. Evacuation plans have been prepared for villages under threat. Relief materials, including dry ration, drinking water, and medical kits, are being transported to flood-hit regions.
Farmers affected by crop loss have been assured financial assistance under the agricultural relief scheme. The government has also announced that survey teams will be deployed to assess damage across districts, ensuring compensation reaches genuine beneficiaries.
Long-Term Concerns
Experts warn that frequent floods and irregular monsoon patterns will continue to challenge Bihar. The state lies in a flood-prone zone due to its river system. Every year, large parts of Bihar face similar crises during monsoon, which disrupt agriculture and affect millions of people.
Climate scientists point out that changing rainfall patterns are making the monsoon less predictable. Excess rain in short spans and dry spells at critical times are impacting crop cycles. This has led to growing demand for better irrigation facilities, flood management, and crop insurance coverage.
The weather in Bihar today is a mix of cloudy skies, scattered rain, and flood threats. While residents of Patna and nearby districts may see light rain with humidity, villages near the Ganga and Karmanasha rivers are under serious danger from rising water. Farmers remain the most affected, with heavy losses in crops across thousands of hectares.
The coming weeks of September will be crucial. If monsoon rains revive as predicted, some relief may reach farmers and residents. Until then, vigilance remains the only solution against nature’s unpredictable moves in Bihar.
