As thunderstorms and heavy rains continue to wreak havoc across Bihar, the state is bracing for further adverse weather conditions. On April 13, 2025, the Patna Meteorological Center issued a yellow alert for 25 districts, warning residents of severe thunderstorms and rain. This follows a tumultuous few days where rainfall and lightning have tragically resulted in the loss of several lives.
The disaster management department is currently on high alert, closely monitoring the situation from a control room in Patna. Reports indicate that districts including Patna, Jehanabad, Nalanda, Samastipur, Vaishali, Lakhisarai, Begusarai, and Khagaria experienced intense thunderstorms and rain for several hours late on April 12. A red alert was also issued for these areas, indicating the severity of the weather conditions.
The IMD (Indian Meteorological Department) has indicated that a cyclonic circulation is currently affecting the western Vidarbha region and Kashmir, contributing to the unstable weather. A trough extending from northeast Madhya Pradesh to Bangladesh is expected to cause heavy rainfall across the state.
According to IMD scientist Ashish Kumar, today’s forecast predicts that districts including West Champaran, East Champaran, Sitamarhi, Shivhar, Gopalganj, Siwan, Saran, Muzaffarpur, Vaishali, Darbhanga, Madhubani, Samastipur, Supaul, Araria, Kishanganj, Saharsa, Madhepura, Purnia, Katihar, Bhagalpur, Khagaria, Munger, Banka, and Jamui will likely experience thunderstorms with wind speeds ranging from 40 to 50 kilometers per hour.
"The weather is expected to remain turbulent, with heavy rains likely throughout Bihar today," Kumar stated. The yellow alert is a precautionary measure to ensure the safety of residents in these districts.
In light of the recent severe weather, the state has seen a significant increase in lightning strikes, resulting in numerous casualties. Reports confirm that over 80 individuals have lost their lives due to incidents related to thunderstorms and lightning in recent days. The disaster department is urging residents to take precautions, including avoiding open fields and seeking shelter in safe locations.
Temperatures across major cities in Bihar have also fluctuated due to the weather changes. For instance, Patna recorded a maximum temperature of 33.9 degrees Celsius and a minimum of 23.6 degrees Celsius, while Gaya experienced a high of 37 degrees Celsius. The air quality index (AQI) in Patna stands at 118, indicating moderate pollution levels.
The IMD has also noted that a new western disturbance is predicted to impact the western Himalayan region starting April 16, which could further alter weather patterns across Bihar.
As the situation develops, residents are advised to stay informed through local weather updates and heed any warnings issued by the meteorological department. Safety precautions are paramount, especially in areas forecasted to experience severe weather conditions.
With the potential for continued thunderstorms and heavy rainfall, the government is preparing to respond to any emergencies that may arise. The public is encouraged to remain vigilant and prioritize their safety during this tumultuous weather period.
The weather department’s alerts serve as a crucial reminder of the dangers posed by severe weather, especially in regions prone to lightning strikes and heavy rainfall. As Bihar grapples with these challenges, community support and preparedness will be essential in navigating the ongoing weather crisis.
