Southwest monsoon arrives in Bihar

Patna: Southwest monsoon arrived in Bihar on Thursday, entering via northeastern districts — Kishanganj, Araria, Supaul, Purnia, Katihar, Madhepura and Madhubani — bringing much-needed relief from prevailing heatwave conditions, the India Meteorological Department (IMD), Patna, said.

With favourable atmospheric conditions, meteorologists expect the monsoon to gradually intensify, bringing widespread rainfall and a further dip in temperatures across the state over the next 2–3 days.

While these northeastern districts have entered the monsoon phase, remaining regions are witnessing rainfall due to easterly winds and cyclonic circulations prevailing over the state.

“Early morning thundershowers in Patna and other districts on Thursday were pre-monsoon activity, though their intensity was enhanced by incoming monsoon winds from the northern districts,” said Kumar Gaurav, IMD meteorologist.

The monsoon’s arrival brought immediate relief from prolonged heatwave-like conditions, with temperatures hovering around 40°C for weeks. In Patna, the maximum temperature dropped sharply to 29.6°C on Thursday — nearly 10°C lower than Wednesday — following early morning thundershowers.

Patna recorded 6.1mm rainfall during these pre-monsoon showers, while Tayabpur in Kishanganj received the highest rainfall at 148mm, indicating active monsoon conditions in the northeast.

The IMD has issued yellow and orange alerts for most districts for the rest of the week. With isolated rainfall expected across Bihar, authorities have advised residents to remain alert to thunderstorms, lightning, and gusty winds.

Farmers have been advised to secure crops and take necessary precautions as the monsoon advances into the remaining parts of the state over the next two to three days.