Monsoon to enter Bihar within 48 hours, IMD issues alerts amid lightning deaths

IANS June 17, 2025 462 views

The southwest monsoon is set to arrive in Bihar within 48 hours, bringing much-needed relief from the heat. IMD has issued orange alerts for heavy rain and thunderstorms in several districts, including Patna and Gaya. Tragically, lightning strikes have already killed 14 people, mostly farmers sheltering under trees. Authorities are urging residents to stay indoors and avoid open areas during storms.

"Severe lightning strikes on Monday claimed 14 lives and left over a dozen injured across Buxar, Katihar, Kaimur, West Champaran, and Bhagalpur." - Disaster Management Department
Patna, June 17: After days of sweltering heat and high humidity, relief is finally in sight for Bihar, with the southwest monsoon set to arrive via Purnea and Kishanganj within the next 48 hours, according to the Meteorological Centre in Patna.

Key Points

1

Monsoon to enter Bihar via Purnea and Kishanganj within 48 hours

2

IMD warns of thunderstorms and 40-50 kmph winds in North Bihar

3

Lightning strikes kill 14 in Buxar, Katihar, and other districts

4

Chhapra remains hottest at 41.1°C despite rainfall in 20 districts

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an orange alert for several districts in North Bihar, warning of heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, and lightning.

Over 20 districts, including Patna, Gaya, Bhagalpur, Munger, East and West Champaran, Siwan, Saran, and Katihar, are likely to receive light to moderate rainfall in the coming days.

Heavy rain warnings are specifically in place for Sitamarhi, Madhubani, Supaul, Araria, and Kishanganj, where thunderstorms accompanied by winds reaching speeds of 40-50 kmph are expected.

Rainfall recorded in the past 24 hours has further confirmed the onset of the monsoon.

Notable rainfall figures include Bikramganj (Rohtas) -- 30 mm; Raghunathpur (Siwan) -- 25.6 mm; and Hathwa (Gopalganj) -- 20.8 mm

Despite the rain, Chhapra remained the hottest place at 41.1 degrees Celsius, though temperatures dipped slightly in about 20 districts.

However, the change in weather has also brought tragedy. Severe lightning strikes on Monday claimed 14 lives and left over a dozen injured across Buxar, Katihar, Kaimur, West Champaran, and Bhagalpur.

Most victims were either working in fields or had taken shelter under trees during the storm.

The Disaster Management Department has issued advisories urging people to avoid open areas and refrain from standing under trees during lightning or thunderstorms.

The IMD has further warned of thunderstorms and gusty winds on June 17 in the districts of West Champaran, Siwan, Gopalganj, Kishanganj, Katihar, Bhagalpur, Banka, Nawada, Gaya, and Rohtas.

Residents have been advised to stay indoors during inclement weather, avoid standing near electric poles or trees, and stay updated with local weather alerts.

With easterly, moisture-laden winds intensifying, the IMD expects the monsoon to become fully active across Bihar by June 17-18, bringing consistent rainfall and a noticeable drop in temperatures across the state.

Reader Comments

R
Rajesh K.
Finally some relief from this unbearable heat! But the lightning deaths are tragic 😔. Our farmers need better weather alerts in rural areas. Why can't IMD messages reach villages faster via loudspeakers or SMS?
P
Priya M.
The government should install lightning arresters in vulnerable districts. So many lives lost every year - this is preventable! Good that IMD is giving alerts but implementation at ground level needs work.
A
Amit S.
Monsoon in Bihar is always bittersweet - relief from heat but brings so many problems. Last year my uncle's crops got destroyed in floods. Hope this year the rainfall is more evenly distributed 🤞
S
Sunita R.
Why don't schools in rural areas teach basic weather safety? Standing under trees during lightning is common but deadly. Need awareness campaigns before monsoon hits properly. Stay safe everyone!
V
Vikram J.
The temperature difference between Chhapra (41°C) and other districts shows how uneven our weather patterns are becoming. Climate change is real folks! Good that monsoon is coming but we need long-term solutions.
N
Neha P.
My relatives in Purnea say the humidity is unbearable before rains. Hope the monsoon brings proper cooling, not just sticky weather. And please government, fix the drainage before floods start!

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Bihar monsoon IMD alert lightning deaths Patna weather heavy rainfall