Patna (Bihar): After nearly a month of subdued monsoon activity, rain has returned to Bihar, bringing pleasant weather across the state. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) and Patna Meteorological Centre have issued a heavy rain and lightning alert for parts of southern and eastern Bihar on Tuesday, July 16.
A low-pressure area has developed over South Bihar, which is expected to shift toward Eastern Uttar Pradesh by Wednesday. This system is likely to trigger very heavy rainfall (115.6 to 204.4 mm) in Kaimur and Rohtas and heavy rainfall (64.5 to 115.5 mm) in Buxar, Aurangabad, Arwal, Jehanabad, Nalanda, Sheikhpura, Lakhisarai, Jamui, and Banka districts.
The IMD has issued an orange alert for 22 districts, warning of moderate to heavy rain (15.6 to 64.4 mm) accompanied by thunderstorms and lightning. The affected districts include Bhagalpur, Munger, Begusarai, Khagaria, Saharsa, Madhepura, Darbhanga, Saran, Samastipur, Vaishali, Rohtas, Aurangabad, Arwal, Jehanabad, Gaya, Nalanda, Nawada, Sheikhpura, Lakhisarai, Jamui, Banka, and Patna.
Winds may gust at 35–40 km/h, and residents—especially farmers and rural communities—are advised not to take shelter under trees or open fields, as over eight deaths due to lightning strikes have already been reported in the last 48 hours.
In Patna, intermittent rain continued on Tuesday, bringing down the maximum temperature to 31.8°C and minimum to 26.0°C. The city recorded 5 mm of rainfall in the past 24 hours. IMD predicts moderate to heavy rainfall will continue on Wednesday and Thursday, particularly during afternoon and evening hours, with rainfall between 20 to 30 mm expected.
Authorities have urged residents to remain alert, follow safety advisories, and avoid non-essential travel in high-risk zones.
