The monsoon in Bihar has once again turned active, bringing relief as well as concern. The Meteorological Department has issued a yellow alert for 26 districts, warning of light to moderate rainfall and thunderstorm activity. According to the forecast, this spell of weather is expected to continue for the next seven days, which may cause a drop in temperature across several regions of the state.
Rain and Thunderstorm Activity in Bihar
In the last few days, the monsoon had been showing signs of weakness. However, weather experts at the Patna Meteorological Centre have now observed an increase in activity. The current forecast suggests that heavy rainfall is less likely in the coming days, but scattered light to moderate showers will continue. This pattern is expected to affect both urban and rural areas. The presence of high humidity will also make the atmosphere uncomfortable, leading to sticky and sweaty conditions.
Farmers, traders, and residents are keeping a close watch on the changing weather. While rainfall will provide much-needed moisture for some crops, the humidity and sudden showers may disrupt routine life. The balance between relief and difficulty remains delicate, as Bihar transitions through the late phase of the monsoon season.
Yellow Alert for September 21
On Sunday, September 21, the Meteorological Department issued a yellow alert for 26 districts in Bihar. This alert means there is a chance of light to moderate rainfall accompanied by thunder and lightning. Districts like Muzaffarpur, Sitamarhi, Darbhanga, Vaishali, Khagaria, Munger, Jamui, and Banka are among those under the alert zone. The department has advised residents of these areas to stay cautious, especially during thunderstorm activity.
The alert also highlights the risk of lightning strikes. Authorities have urged people to avoid open fields and seek shelter during thunder and lightning. With past incidents of lightning-related fatalities in the state, the warning carries serious importance. Rural communities, in particular, are asked to remain alert, as agricultural workers often face greater exposure to such hazards.
Rise in Temperature and Humid Conditions
Even as showers are expected, the weakening monsoon may cause a rise in maximum temperatures. In Patna, the temperature is projected to hover around 35 degrees Celsius on Sunday. Despite occasional rainfall, the combination of sunlight and moisture in the air will lead to intense humidity. This will make the weather feel hotter than the actual temperature.
The department has suggested that this pattern may persist for two more days. Afterward, some changes in weather conditions could be noticed again. Such fluctuations are typical during the retreating phase of the monsoon, where clear skies and sudden showers often occur within short intervals.
Residents in Patna, Gaya, Bhagalpur, and other urban centers are already experiencing sticky conditions. Many are relying on fans and coolers, but the high moisture levels provide little relief. Health experts recommend staying hydrated and avoiding direct exposure to the sun during peak afternoon hours.
Agricultural Concerns for Farmers
The changing weather pattern has direct implications for Bihar’s agricultural sector. With the monsoon becoming weaker but occasional showers continuing, farmers have been advised to take extra care of their crops. Unseasonal rain and thunderstorms can cause damage to standing crops, particularly paddy, maize, and pulses.
The Meteorological Department has also cautioned farmers to protect themselves from lightning by staying in safe areas during thunderstorms. Using electrical equipment during such periods should be avoided, as power surges caused by lightning strikes can be dangerous. Agricultural experts have further advised storing harvested crops in covered and secure places to prevent spoilage due to unexpected rainfall.
Farmers in flood-prone areas are particularly anxious, as even light showers can sometimes lead to waterlogging. This creates further challenges in irrigation and crop management. The government and local administration have been urged to remain prepared to assist farmers if the weather causes significant disruption.
Impact on Daily Life
The continuing rainfall and rise in humidity are expected to influence daily life in several ways. Urban areas may face traffic congestion and waterlogging in low-lying zones. In rural parts, fieldwork may be interrupted due to muddy conditions. School children and office workers may also find travel difficult during sudden showers.
Electricity supply often gets affected during thunderstorms in Bihar, leading to power cuts in several districts. This adds to the discomfort during humid conditions, particularly at night. Many families depend on inverters and generators, but the rising demand sometimes puts additional strain on power distribution.
Public health concerns are also on the rise. The sticky weather creates favorable conditions for the spread of waterborne diseases, as well as mosquito-borne illnesses like dengue and malaria. Health authorities have advised people to keep their surroundings clean, cover water storage, and use mosquito nets to avoid infections.
Bihar’s Weather Trend in September
September has always been a transitional month for Bihar’s weather. The early weeks often bring heavy rainfall due to the peak monsoon season, while the later part witnesses a gradual decline in rainfall. However, this year, the pattern has been slightly unusual. Rainfall in some districts was lower than expected in the early part of the month, while humidity levels remained high.
Meteorologists say that this uneven pattern is part of the broader climate changes being observed across the region. While Bihar continues to depend heavily on monsoon rainfall for agriculture, the irregularity in weather conditions is becoming a concern. State officials are monitoring the situation closely to ensure that both farmers and the general public remain informed.
Precautions for Residents
The yellow alert comes as a reminder for residents to take necessary precautions. During thunderstorms, people are advised to stay indoors or in safe shelters. Mobile phones and metal objects should be avoided in open spaces, as they can attract lightning. Farmers working in fields should take immediate shelter if they hear thunder or see lightning.
The Meteorological Department also suggests avoiding unnecessary travel during heavy rainfall. Motorists must be cautious on slippery roads, as sudden showers reduce visibility and increase the risk of accidents. Parents are advised to ensure that children remain indoors during stormy weather, as open areas are unsafe.
In addition, residents are encouraged to check weather updates regularly. With weather conditions changing rapidly, timely information can help avoid accidents and disruptions. Local authorities are also expected to disseminate alerts through radio, television, and mobile networks to ensure wide awareness.
Outlook for the Next Seven Days
The current forecast suggests that light to moderate rainfall will continue across Bihar for at least the next week. This means that people can expect relief from extreme heat, but humidity will persist. Temperatures are not expected to rise sharply, though slight fluctuations may occur.
The retreat of the monsoon is usually observed in early October. Until then, Bihar is likely to witness alternating periods of sunshine and rain. Experts say that the coming days will be crucial in determining the overall impact of this year’s monsoon on agriculture and water resources.
As of now, no major flood threat has been reported, but officials are not ruling out the possibility of localized waterlogging. Rural development agencies are keeping track of rainfall in sensitive districts to prevent crop loss and provide timely support.
Bihar’s weather has entered a delicate phase, where rainfall, humidity, and rising temperatures are interacting in complex ways. The yellow alert for 26 districts is a reminder that even light to moderate showers can carry risks, especially when accompanied by thunderstorms. Farmers, urban residents, and travelers all need to remain cautious during this period.
While rainfall brings much-needed relief to agriculture, it also raises challenges like waterlogging, disease spread, and lightning risks. The Meteorological Department has assured that regular updates will be shared to help citizens stay informed. Over the next seven days, Bihar will continue to experience scattered showers, humid conditions, and occasional sunshine, reflecting the unpredictable yet essential nature of the monsoon.
