The India Meteorological Department has issued a heavy rainfall alert for Bihar. Warnings have been released for several districts, including Patna, Begusarai, Munger, Lakhisarai, Ara, Muzaffarpur, Sheikhpura, Kishanganj, Araria, Supaul, Vaishali, Chhapra, Samastipur, and Khagaria. Forecasts suggest the state will experience continuous rainfall for four days, raising concerns over waterlogging and flood-like conditions in low-lying areas.
Four-Day Rainfall Alert Across North Bihar
According to the Meteorological Department, all 19 districts of North Bihar are likely to experience heavy rain from Monday through Thursday. Eight districts face the possibility of extremely heavy showers, which may intensify the flood situation. On Monday, rain accompanied by winds blowing at speeds of 30 to 40 kilometers per hour is expected across several regions.
The weather department noted that on Sunday, rain was recorded in 35 districts, with an average of 11.5 millimeters. Officials warn that heavy rainfall in certain pockets may raise the water levels of rivers, leading to sudden flooding in low-lying regions.
Extremely Heavy Rainfall in Specific Districts
The weather alert highlights a severe threat of extremely heavy rainfall in Kishanganj, Araria, West Champaran, Gopalganj, Vaishali, Chhapra, Samastipur, and Khagaria. These districts are particularly vulnerable due to their proximity to major rivers. Experts warn that even short spells of intense showers can result in overflowing water bodies, which may impact agriculture, transportation, and local communities.
On Sunday, rainfall intensity was highest in Kishanganj. The Tayyabpur area reported 299.6 millimeters, while Thakurganj recorded 221.6 millimeters. Strong winds were also observed in Madhepura, where gusts reached speeds of 31 kilometers per hour.
Patna Weather: Cloudy Skies and Heavy Rain Warning
Patna is expected to remain cloudy throughout Monday. Weather experts predict thunderstorms and heavy showers in isolated places. On Sunday, the capital witnessed continuous cloud cover from morning, followed by heavy downpour in many neighborhoods during the afternoon.
This brought partial relief from the persistent heat, although the city recorded mixed changes in temperatures. The maximum temperature fell by 3.5 degrees Celsius, settling at 31.8 degrees. The minimum temperature, however, increased by 1.2 degrees, standing at 27.1 degrees Celsius.
Patna experienced 25 millimeters of rainfall on Sunday. Several areas, including fruit markets and vegetable hubs, faced difficulties due to waterlogging. Jagdeo Path, Punaichak, Shivpuri, Anta Ghat, Musallahpur Haat, and the Bazaar Samiti were particularly affected.
Civic Bodies on High Alert in Patna
In response to the rainfall, Patna Municipal Corporation and BUDCO (Bihar Urban Infrastructure Development Corporation) remain on alert. Authorities have increased monitoring through command centers, while sump houses across the city were activated to tackle water accumulation.
Municipal Commissioner Animesh Kumar Parashar confirmed that Quick Response Teams are actively managing drainage systems. According to officials, the situation is under control, but precautionary measures are being taken to prevent further waterlogging in residential colonies and market areas.
Rainfall Disrupts Festive Preparations in the Capital
The timing of the rain has created challenges ahead of major festivals like Teej and Navratri. Waterlogging in key areas has added to the difficulties of cleanliness and waste management in the city.
In the Azimabad area, southern colonies near the bypass reported heavy water accumulation, with residents facing problems for nearly two months due to repeated rainfall. On Sunday, several colonies again reported standing water, leaving families struggling with access to basic facilities.
In Danapur, the road near RPS More was submerged after rainfall, causing major inconvenience for commuters. Traffic jams were reported, while shopkeepers and vendors in several parts of Patna expressed frustration over reduced customer turnout due to muddy streets and flooded marketplaces.
Rainfall Statistics from Across Bihar
The Meteorological Department released detailed data on rainfall across the state. Kishanganj stood out with the highest numbers, while other northern districts also recorded significant rainfall.
Jamui, Banka, and Bhagalpur districts were exceptions, as they did not record measurable rainfall on Sunday. However, forecasts suggest these districts may also experience showers in the coming days.
Heavy rains have already disrupted normal life in various districts, as reports of waterlogged roads, damaged crops, and partial flooding continue to surface. Farmers remain concerned about their standing crops, especially paddy fields, which are vulnerable to excessive rainfall.
Rising Concerns Over Flood Risk
Experts have raised concerns that continuous heavy rainfall may trigger rising river levels, particularly in the Kosi, Gandak, and Bagmati river basins. Sudden inflows of water can result in overflow, which may impact embankments and increase the threat of floods in villages located along riverbanks.
Authorities are closely monitoring river gauges and embankments. Disaster response teams are on standby in flood-prone areas, ensuring timely evacuation if water levels rise sharply.
Public Advisory and Safety Measures
The Meteorological Department has urged residents to remain cautious. People in vulnerable areas have been advised to avoid unnecessary travel during heavy downpours. Commuters are encouraged to carry umbrellas and rain gear to avoid disruption.
The department has also highlighted the possibility of localized waterlogging, particularly in urban centers like Patna, Muzaffarpur, and Begusarai. Municipal bodies have been instructed to ensure smooth drainage and maintain preparedness for emergency situations.
Bihar’s Rainfall Pattern in September
September is generally considered a crucial month for Bihar’s monsoon rainfall. It plays an important role in agriculture, as paddy cultivation depends heavily on water availability. However, excessive rainfall often leads to crop damage and delayed harvesting.
In the past week, several parts of North Bihar have already received above-normal rainfall. Farmers have expressed mixed reactions, as while rain helps maintain soil moisture, extreme showers damage fields and hamper the transportation of produce.
Impact on Daily Life and Economy
The ongoing rainfall has affected daily life in urban as well as rural areas. In Patna, long traffic snarls were reported after waterlogging on main roads. Shoppers in busy markets faced challenges as flooded streets limited movement. Vendors in vegetable markets reported a decline in customers, while prices of perishable items increased due to transportation delays.
In rural regions, heavy rainfall disrupted electricity supply and communication networks. Several villages reported temporary outages, leaving residents without power during the downpour. Transport services, including buses and trains, also experienced delays in some areas due to waterlogged tracks and highways.
Outlook for the Coming Days
Weather forecasts suggest that Bihar will continue to experience moderate to heavy rainfall over the next three days. The intensity of showers is likely to be highest in North Bihar districts, although central and southern parts of the state will also experience cloudy skies and intermittent rain.
Officials recommend that residents in vulnerable areas remain vigilant, while farmers are advised to take preventive measures to protect their crops. With festive season approaching, municipal authorities are expected to step up efforts to ensure drainage and maintain sanitation in urban centers.
Bihar is set to face another spell of heavy rainfall this week, with North Bihar districts bearing the brunt of the showers. Patna and several other cities will experience cloudy skies, thunderstorms, and intermittent rain. Authorities remain on alert as waterlogging and flood-like conditions may emerge if rainfall intensity increases.
Residents are urged to stay cautious, follow safety advisories, and prepare for possible disruptions in daily life. With the monsoon season still active, Bihar must remain prepared for the challenges posed by heavy rainfall and its impact on both urban centers and rural communities.
