The monsoon has reactivated across Bihar, bringing with it heavy rainfall and the possibility of thunderstorms. Since Sunday night, many areas of the state, including the capital city Patna, have been experiencing intermittent rain. This rainfall has continued into Monday morning, affecting normal life in several districts. With waterlogging in major parts of Patna, daily activities have come to a halt, and several schools were forced to shut down for the day due to unsafe conditions.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an orange alert for heavy rainfall and lightning in districts including Nawada, Bhagalpur, Muzaffarpur, Samastipur, Vaishali, Patna, Bhojpur, Arwal, Jehanabad, Gaya, Nalanda, and Begusarai. People in these regions have been advised to remain indoors and avoid open spaces. The weather department has warned that lightning strikes are likely and has urged residents to avoid standing under tall trees or near electric poles.

Disruption in Patna Due to Persistent Rainfall

The impact of the monsoon has been particularly severe in Patna. Areas like the GPO, Kankarbagh, Rajiv Nagar, Gola Road, and Patliputra Colony have seen extensive waterlogging. Commuters and pedestrians are facing major inconvenience as roads remain flooded. The situation has caused traffic jams in several locations, and normal city life has been affected. Local authorities are working on drainage efforts, but continuous rainfall is hampering the process.

With water accumulating in school compounds and nearby roads submerged, school administrations in some areas chose to suspend classes. Safety concerns for children and the lack of public transport due to waterlogged roads have added to the challenges.

Monsoon Forecast Across Bihar from July 28 to August 2

According to meteorological experts, the monsoon will remain active across the state from July 28 to August 2. During this period, moderate to heavy rainfall is expected in almost all parts of Bihar. The IMD’s forecast shows high chances of rainfall in both north and south Bihar. The department has maintained a weather alert across multiple regions and recommends taking precautions to avoid any untoward incidents.

An extensive weather pattern has developed over northwest Madhya Pradesh and the surrounding areas. A well-marked low-pressure system remains active, leading to increased moisture and rain-bearing clouds across northern and central India. A cyclonic circulation associated with this low-pressure zone extends up to 7.6 kilometers above mean sea level, slanting southwestward with altitude. This system is moving slowly westward and is expected to weaken over the next 12 hours. However, until then, its influence will be strongly felt in Bihar, leading to widespread rain and lightning.

Impact on Political Schedule and Transportation

Due to poor weather conditions, scheduled aerial travel plans for Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar have been affected. His proposed journey for Monday was likely to be conducted via helicopter, but the continued bad weather has made flying unsafe. As a result, his travel plans might be canceled. Government officials have not yet issued a final confirmation, but sources indicate that the CM’s program is under review due to the prevailing weather conditions.

In addition, local transportation services are struggling to operate efficiently. Waterlogged streets have hindered movement, and public transport systems have experienced delays and disruptions. Auto-rickshaws and buses are finding it difficult to navigate through the submerged routes. Emergency services are on alert, and the municipal corporation has deployed teams to monitor and manage the situation.

Districts Under Monsoon Watch

A majority of Bihar’s districts have been placed under close weather monitoring. The most affected districts, as per the IMD’s advisory, include northern-central, northeastern, and southern parts of Bihar. Places like Muzaffarpur, Bhagalpur, Patna, and Gaya are likely to receive above-average rainfall over the next few days. Rural regions in these districts are particularly vulnerable as heavy rainfall could affect agricultural fields and increase the risk of localized flooding.

Farmers have been warned to protect their crops and livestock. With paddy sowing in progress in many areas, continuous rains could prove both beneficial and damaging, depending on the water accumulation levels. Experts have advised farmers to ensure proper drainage in fields to prevent crop damage.

Precautionary Measures Suggested by IMD

The IMD has strongly advised residents to remain alert and take necessary precautions. During thunderstorms, people should avoid going outside, especially during lightning alerts. The department recommends seeking shelter in concrete buildings and staying away from tall trees, mobile towers, and electric poles. Those traveling by two-wheelers are especially vulnerable during lightning strikes and should halt at safe locations until the situation improves.

Rescue teams and disaster response units have been kept on standby. Local administrations in affected districts have been instructed to ensure the safety of residents and prepare for emergency evacuations if needed. Flood-prone areas are being monitored for rising water levels, particularly in regions close to riverbanks.

Looking Ahead: Rain Likely to Continue

The weather department predicts that rainfall will continue in Bihar at least till August 2. This forecast is based on current satellite data and weather modeling systems that indicate a persistent low-pressure trend. Residents are encouraged to stay updated through official weather bulletins and avoid believing or sharing unverified information on social media.

Despite the inconvenience caused, this rainfall is considered crucial for the state’s agriculture. After a relatively delayed monsoon onset earlier this year, farmers were concerned about crop yields. The current spell of rain is expected to recharge groundwater levels and support paddy cultivation. However, excessive rain can lead to urban flooding and damage to infrastructure, particularly in low-lying areas.

Local authorities and civic bodies have been directed to conduct regular inspections of drainage lines and clear blocked water channels. Patna Municipal Corporation has deployed quick-response teams with pumps to manage waterlogging, especially in sensitive zones like hospitals and schools.

As the weather remains unstable, residents across Bihar should prioritize safety and follow advisories issued by local and state authorities. The ongoing monsoon activity is expected to persist, and precautions will be necessary over the coming days. Patna and other major cities are already witnessing the consequences of heavy rain, and preparedness will be key to preventing further disruption.

Stay connected to your local news platforms and government bulletins to receive real-time weather alerts and public safety announcements. Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely and will update the public as required.