Orange Alert in Bihar as Heavy Rainfall and Thunderstorms Expected Across Multiple Districts

KKN Gurugram Desk | As Bihar awaits the full onset of the southwest monsoon, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an orange alert for several districts, warning of heavy rainfall, gusty winds, and thunderstorm activity. The alert comes amid persistent high temperatures, with Chhapra recording the state’s peak temperature at 41.01°C on Monday.

While the monsoon has yet to cover the entire state, weather officials anticipate its advancement across all districts between June 18 and June 19, offering much-needed relief from the ongoing heatwave conditions and dry spell in many regions.

Heavy Rainfall Alert in North Bihar Districts

According to the Meteorological Centre in Patna, five districts in North Bihar are under heavy rainfall alert for Tuesday. These districts include:

• Sitamarhi

• Madhubani

• Supaul

• Araria

• Kishanganj

Residents in these regions can expect intense rainfall, accompanied by thunderstorms, lightning, and wind speeds ranging from 40 to 50 km/h. People have been advised to stay indoors during severe weather and take necessary precautions.

Orange Alert Issued Across Western and Eastern Bihar

In a broader warning, the IMD has placed several districts under an orange alert due to the likelihood of moderate rainfall, thunderstorm activity, and strong winds. The affected districts span across both western and eastern Bihar and include:

• West Champaran

• East Champaran

• Gopalganj

• Siwan

• Saran

• Buxar

• Kaimur

• Rohtas

• Aurangabad

• Bhojpur

• Arwal

• Banka

• Jamui

• Munger

• Khagaria

• Bhagalpur

• Purnia

• Katihar

• Madhepura

• Saharsa

These areas are likely to witness light to moderate rainfall with potential lightning strikes and gusty winds touching 40–50 km/h. Authorities are closely monitoring the situation to prevent any localised flooding or infrastructure disruption.

Yellow Alert for Central Bihar Districts

The yellow alert, which signifies a less severe weather risk, has been issued for central Bihar. Districts like Patna, Vaishali, Samastipur, Muzaffarpur, Darbhanga, Nalanda, Jehanabad, Gaya, Nawada, Sheikhpura, Begusarai, and Lakhisarai are expected to receive light rain or drizzle over the next 24 hours.

These areas could experience winds blowing at 30–40 km/h, making it advisable for residents to exercise caution, especially in open or low-lying areas.

Current Rainfall Trends: Siwan Tops the Chart

Despite the alerts, no district recorded extreme rainfall on Monday. However, some regions saw moderate precipitation, with the following rainfall measurements recorded:

• Siwan: 35.2 mm (highest)

• Rohtas: 30 mm

• Purnia: 27.4 mm

• Gopalganj: 25.4 mm

• West Champaran: 15.4 mm

Other districts reported either light showers or negligible rainfall.

Heatwave Continues in Parts of Bihar

The pre-monsoon heat has kept temperatures elevated in many districts. Chhapra emerged as the hottest spot in Bihar on Monday, recording 41.01°C, followed by Dehri in Rohtas at 40.02°C. Meanwhile, the state capital Patna registered a high of 38.6°C.

The average daytime temperature across Bihar hovered around 37°C, offering little respite from the scorching conditions. With the monsoon expected to spread in the next 48 hours, a significant drop in mercury levels is anticipated by the end of the week.

What is an Orange Alert?

In weather terminology, an orange alert indicates a moderate to high risk of severe weather. It often serves as a warning for citizens to prepare for potentially disruptive conditions such as heavy rain, localized flooding, and infrastructure challenges. The IMD recommends that residents in orange alert zones remain vigilant, follow updates, and avoid non-essential travel during adverse weather.

Preparedness Advisory for Bihar Residents

The State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA) has urged residents across all alert zones to take the following precautions:

• Secure loose outdoor items and avoid standing under trees during thunderstorms.

• Stay indoors during periods of lightning and high winds.

• Ensure drainage systems are unclogged to prevent waterlogging.

• Farmers are advised to protect stored grain and equipment.

• Motorists should avoid waterlogged roads and drive cautiously in low visibility.

Looking Ahead: Monsoon to Cover Bihar by June 19

According to forecasts, the southwest monsoon, which has already advanced through parts of eastern India, is set to fully cover Bihar by June 19. Once the monsoon stabilizes, consistent rainfall across agricultural belts will benefit Kharif crop sowing, which has been delayed due to inadequate early rains.

Meteorological models suggest a shift in weather patterns beginning Wednesday, which will likely bring widespread showers, increased humidity, and a gradual fall in daytime temperatures.

As Bihar stands on the cusp of the monsoon’s full arrival, residents must brace themselves for changing weather patterns, localized storms, and the possibility of moderate to heavy rainfall in several regions. With orange and yellow alerts in place across the state, the next 48 hours are crucial for both administrative preparedness and public safety.

Stay tuned to dimgrey-bison-994082.hostingersite.com for real-time weather updates, safety advisories, and ground-level reports as Bihar transitions from a scorching summer into the monsoon season.