Heavy rain lashes Patna, surrounding areas; thunderstorms, gusty winds to persist
Patna, May 29
The weather conditions across Bihar have changed significantly following the formation of a cyclonic circulation over the east-central and southeast regions of the Bay of Bengal, bringing rainfall and cooler temperatures to several districts, including the capital city, Patna.
Heavy rain lashed Patna early in the morning, while thick cloud cover turned daylight conditions unusually dark.
Cool winds sweeping across the region have brought much-needed relief from the intense heatwave conditions experienced in recent days.
According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD) Centre in Patna, most districts of Bihar are likely to witness partly cloudy skies, thunderstorms, lightning activity, gusty winds, and intermittent rainfall over the next 24 hours.
Special alerts for heavy rainfall and strong winds have been issued for the districts of Katihar and Purnea in the Seemanchal region of the state.
Meteorologists have forecast scattered rainfall across many parts of the state for the next two to three days.
The department has also predicted a fall of 2 degrees to 4 degrees Celsius in maximum temperatures across several regions during this period.
On Thursday, maximum temperatures declined in at least 10 districts, including Patna, where the day temperature settled at 34.7 degrees Celsius.
Meanwhile, Bhabhua in Kaimur district recorded the highest temperature in the state at 39.9 degrees Celsius.
Strong winds were recorded in districts such as Rohtas and Madhubani, where wind speeds reached nearly 37 km/hour. Rainfall during the past 24 hours included 6.4 mm in Imamganj (Gaya), 1.4 mm in Banke Bazar, and 1 mm in Madhepura.
The weather department has indicated that no major temperature fluctuations are expected over the coming week.
However, intermittent rainfall and cloud cover are likely to continue providing relief from heatwave conditions, although humidity levels may remain high in some districts.
The Southwest Monsoon is currently expected to enter Bihar between June 12 and June 18.
Meteorologists have noted that if the Bay of Bengal weather system strengthens further, the monsoon could reach the state earlier than anticipated.
— IANS
Reader Comments
Good to see IMD issuing alerts for Katihar and Purnea. We need better drainage in these areas though - last time heavy rain flooded the streets for days. Monsoon in June is still far away, but this pre-monsoon rain is a blessing.
Living in Patna, I can confirm - today morning was crazy dark at 7am! 🌧️ The cool breeze is nice but I hope the power supply stays stable. Last thunderstorm we had no electricity for 6 hours. Hope authorities are prepared.
Bhabhua at 39.9°C while Patna got 34.7°C - shows how uneven this weather is. Farmers in Gaya must be relieved with that 6.4mm rainfall though. Kharif crop sowing will benefit from this pre-monsoon activity. Let's hope the monsoon arrives early as predicted!
Nice to see accurate forecasts from IMD these days. But I wish they'd also warn about humidity - it's already sticky in Patna even with the rain. 2-4°C drop is welcome but humidity makes it feel worse. Still, better than 42°C heatwave! 🌦️
Every year same story - rain brings relief but also chaos. Roads in Patna get waterlogged instantly. Hope municipal corporation has cleaned the drains this time. Also, thunderstorm alert for next 24 hours - be careful everyone, especially near trees and hoardings. ⚡
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