After days of relentless rainfall, states across India are finally seeing a glimmer of relief, as weather officials and local authorities ramp up efforts to protect communities from the lingering dangers of the monsoon. In Bihar, the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast a much-needed reduction in precipitation over the next three days, starting August 16, 2025. This comes as a welcome change for residents weary of persistent showers and the threat of flooding that loomed large in recent weeks.
The IMD, in its latest bulletin, explained, "Maximum temperatures are expected to increase by 2-3°C over the next three days and remain unchanged thereafter. On the other hand, no major change is expected to take place in the minimum temperature in the next 3-4 days." This means that while the sun may finally peek through the clouds, the nights will continue to offer some respite from the heat.
There is even more encouraging news for Patna, the capital of Bihar. The water level of the Ganga river, which had previously threatened to overflow, has now fallen below the danger mark at several key points. According to official records, the river was measured at 51.22 cm in Maner—78 cm below the danger threshold. In Danapur, the water stood at 50.54 cm, 66 cm below the mark. Digha Ghat and Gandhi Ghat also recorded levels 81 cm and 9 cm below the danger line, respectively. However, caution is still warranted at Hathidah, where the Ganga remains 21 cm above the danger mark, a reminder that vigilance must not wane.
Despite the overall improvement, the IMD has issued alerts for some northern districts of Bihar. On Sunday, August 17, 2025, a warning for thunderstorms and lightning was sounded for nine districts: West Champaran, East Champaran, Sheohar, Sitamarhi, Madhubani, Supaul, Araria, Kishanganj, and Purnia. While these areas may experience light to moderate rainfall in the coming days, isolated showers could also occur in one or two places in the south-central and south-eastern districts, including Patna itself.
Temperature fluctuations are expected to be modest. On Sunday, maximum temperatures are forecasted to range between 34°C and 36°C, dipping slightly to between 32°C and 34°C across most districts on Monday. Looking back at the most recent data, Darbhanga clocked the highest maximum temperature in the state at 36°C on August 16, while Banka recorded the coolest minimum at 25.4°C. Patna, too, felt the heat, with a maximum of 35.1°C.
Meanwhile, in Nellore district, Andhra Pradesh, authorities are taking a proactive stance against the hazards posed by the monsoon. On Saturday, August 16, 2025, the district police organized an awareness rally under the theme "Prevention of Floods and Infectious Diseases During Monsoon" as part of the state government's flagship "Swarnandhra–Swachh Andhra" initiative. The rally, led by SB DSP Srinivasa Rao and directed by additional SP (administration) Ch. Soujanya, saw police personnel and staff marching from the District Police Office to the junction, pledging to safeguard their communities.
The focus of these efforts is clear: preventing the loss of life and property during extreme weather. The precautionary measures highlighted by the Nellore police included clearing clogged drains, preventing water stagnation, conducting mosquito-control fogging, and ensuring preparedness for disaster management. These steps, though seemingly routine, can mean the difference between safety and catastrophe when the rains come down hard.
But the campaign didn't stop at the rally. The Swarnandhra–Swachh Andhra programmes were rolled out across all police stations in the district, extending into schools, villages, and towns. The aim was to educate the public on how to reduce flood risks, avoid mosquito-borne illnesses, and remain vigilant against infectious diseases that so often accompany the monsoon season. Officers such as SB-2 CI Srinivasa Reddy, RI MT Haribabu, RI Home Guards Paul Raj, Dargamitta CI Roshayya, PCR CI Bhaktavatsala Reddy, SC/ST Cell CI Jaganmohan Rao, and several RSIs played active roles in these initiatives, underscoring the collective responsibility in disaster preparedness.
For residents of both Bihar and Andhra Pradesh, the monsoon is a double-edged sword. It brings the promise of replenished fields and respite from the searing heat, but also the ever-present threat of floods, waterborne diseases, and infrastructure breakdown. The recent drop in the Ganga’s water levels in Patna, as reported by the IMD and local authorities, is a relief, but the situation at Hathidah—where the river remains above the danger mark—serves as a stark reminder that conditions can change rapidly. In fact, the IMD’s alert for thunderstorms and lightning in nine northern districts signals that the region is not out of the woods just yet.
What’s particularly heartening is the coordinated approach being taken by local authorities and police. In Nellore, the Swarnandhra–Swachh Andhra initiative is not just a slogan but a hands-on effort involving officers at every level. The awareness drives in schools and villages are crucial, as they empower citizens with knowledge—how to prevent water stagnation, why mosquito-control matters, and what to do if disaster strikes. These actions, simple as they may seem, are the bedrock of community resilience.
Meanwhile, in Bihar, the IMD’s meticulous monitoring of temperatures and river levels provides the data needed to make informed decisions. The rise in maximum temperatures over the next few days might bring some discomfort, but it also signals a shift away from the relentless rains that have defined the recent weeks. No major change in minimum temperatures means nights will remain relatively stable, offering some comfort to those who have endured sleepless, stormy nights.
With the monsoon season still very much in play, the message from authorities is clear: stay alert, stay informed, and take preventive measures seriously. Whether it’s the IMD’s weather bulletins in Bihar or the grassroots campaigns led by the police in Nellore, the goal remains the same—protect lives, property, and public health. As communities across India continue to navigate the challenges of the rainy season, it’s these coordinated, proactive efforts that offer the best hope of weathering the storm—literally and figuratively.
As the skies begin to clear and temperatures rise, the focus now shifts to maintaining vigilance and building on the lessons learned. For many, the monsoon is far from over, but the steps taken today will shape how well communities can withstand whatever nature brings next.
