In Bihar, a tragic weather event has left 17 people dead due to lightning strikes on April 9, 2025. The fatalities were most concentrated in the districts of Begusarai and Darbhanga, where five deaths were reported each. Additionally, four people lost their lives in Madhubani and one in Aurangabad. The lightning strikes also claimed the lives of two individuals in Saharsa on the same evening. In light of these incidents, authorities have issued alerts for hailstorms across four districts.
Weather reports indicate that light rain is expected to affect 27 districts throughout Bihar on April 9. Early morning showers were recorded in areas such as Lakhisarai and Madhubani, while light rain also fell in the rural regions of Saharsa and Begusarai. Munger, on the other hand, experienced cloud cover and strong winds. The extreme weather conditions can be attributed to a cyclonic circulation over Assam and the Bay of Bengal, which has brought in humid winds to the state.
According to meteorologists, thunderstorms accompanied by light rain and strong winds are anticipated to continue across various parts of Bihar until April 13, 2025. This weather shift is expected to provide some relief from the intense heat currently gripping the region. The maximum temperature in Bihar has decreased by 2 degrees Celsius, although humidity levels have risen, leading to an uncomfortable mugginess.
On April 8, Patna recorded a maximum temperature of 36 degrees Celsius, with a minimum of 26.8 degrees Celsius. Aurangabad was noted as the hottest district, where the maximum temperature soared to 39.8 degrees Celsius, while the minimum was 22 degrees Celsius. Gaya reported the highest minimum temperature at 27.2 degrees Celsius.
In light of the adverse weather conditions, the weather department has urged farmers to take necessary precautions. They are advised to harvest their crops promptly and secure them to prevent damage from rain and storms. The department emphasized the importance of safeguarding crops, especially those that are ready for harvest.
Meanwhile, in Delhi, a significant change in weather has been observed following a duststorm on April 11, 2025. The maximum temperature dropped to 35.2 degrees Celsius on April 12, which is 0.9 degrees below the seasonal average. The minimum temperature recorded was 19 degrees Celsius, a decrease of two notches from normal levels. Some observatories reported even lower maximum temperatures, with Rajghat recording 32.2 degrees Celsius and Najafgarh at 33.5 degrees Celsius. The lowest minimum temperature in Delhi was noted at Ridge, at 17.6 degrees Celsius.
For April 13, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) predicts that the maximum temperature in Delhi will range between 36-38 degrees Celsius, while the minimum could be between 19-21 degrees Celsius. The sky is expected to remain partly cloudy across most areas of Delhi-NCR. Fortunately, no heatwave conditions are anticipated in the capital until at least April 15, 2025.
However, the aftermath of the recent duststorm has not been without tragedy. Two individuals, including a 10-year-old girl and a 67-year-old man, lost their lives in separate incidents attributed to the storm. Reports indicate that the girl was killed when a building parapet collapsed on her, while the elderly man was struck by construction material that fell from a roof.
Looking ahead, the IMD has forecasted severe weather for various regions across India. Parts of Assam and Meghalaya are expected to experience heavy rainfall on April 13, with thunderstorms and gusty winds reaching speeds of 50-60 km/h likely to impact isolated areas of Gangetic West Bengal. Similar weather patterns are predicted for parts of Jharkhand, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, Assam, and Meghalaya.
Furthermore, lightning strikes accompanied by winds of 30-40 km/h are anticipated in eastern Uttar Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, sub-Himalayan West Bengal, Sikkim, Odisha, Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram, Tripura, Maharashtra, Kerala, coastal Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Karnataka.
As the weather continues to fluctuate dramatically, authorities are urging residents to remain vigilant and prepared for potential hazards. The combination of thunderstorms, lightning, and hail poses significant risks, particularly for those in vulnerable areas.
In summary, the recent weather events in Bihar and Delhi highlight the unpredictable nature of spring weather in India. With fatalities reported due to lightning strikes in Bihar and severe weather conditions affecting Delhi, it is crucial for residents and farmers alike to heed warnings and take necessary precautions to protect themselves and their livelihoods.
