Bihar weather: Orange Alert in 7 districts, Yellow in 12 on Aug 20
Synopsis
Bihar's weather department has put 19 districts on alert for 20 August, with Orange warnings in 7 districts for heavy rain and 30–40 kmph winds. The alerts come as the state sits 39% below its normal monsoon rainfall — meaning the incoming storms are both a hazard and a relief.
Key Takeaways
The Meteorological Department has issued alerts for 19 Bihar districts on 20 August .
Orange Alert declared in Supaul, Araria, Kishanganj, Saharsa, Madhepura, Purnea and Katihar — heavy rain and winds of 30–40 kmph expected.
Yellow Alert covers 12 districts including Muzaffarpur, Darbhanga, Bhagalpur and Jamui .
Rainfall activity to intensify in northeastern and eastern Bihar on 21 August ; South Bihar faces Orange Alert on 22 August .
Bihar has recorded 39% less rainfall than normal this monsoon season; expected rains may help reduce the deficit.
Residents advised to stay indoors, avoid open fields and isolated trees during lightning and thunderstorms.
The Meteorological Department has issued weather alerts covering 19 districts of Bihar for Thursday, 20 August, warning of heavy rain, thunderstorms, strong winds, and lightning. Residents across the affected zones have been advised to exercise caution and avoid unnecessary travel during periods of severe weather.
Orange Alert Districts
An Orange Alert has been declared in Supaul, Araria, Kishanganj, Saharsa, Madhepura, Purnea, and Katihar. People in these districts are likely to face heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, lightning, and winds of 30–40 kmph. Officials have urged residents to remain indoors wherever possible and to avoid open fields and isolated trees during lightning activity.
Yellow Alert Districts
A Yellow Alert is in effect for Sheohar, Sitamarhi, Madhubani, Muzaffarpur, Darbhanga, Vaishali, Samastipur, Khagaria, Munger, Bhagalpur, Banka, and Jamui. These areas may receive light to moderate rain accompanied by thunderstorms, lightning, and strong winds.
Three-Day Forecast
Unsettled weather is expected to persist across Bihar for the next three days. On 21 August, rainfall activity is forecast to intensify in northeastern and eastern Bihar, with heavy rain likely in East Champaran, West Champaran, Araria, and Kishanganj.
By 22 August, a Yellow Alert is expected across much of North Bihar, while an Orange Alert is likely for several parts of South Bihar, including Gopalganj, Siwan, Rohtas, Kaimur, and Buxar. Rain and thunderstorms are also expected to continue in parts of northeastern and central Bihar through that period.
Patna Weather and Rainfall Deficit
Patna recorded sunny conditions on Thursday morning, though the weather is expected to turn cloudy through the day, with light rain possible in parts of the capital. Notably, Bihar has so far recorded 39 per cent less rainfall than normal this monsoon season, even as the monsoon remains active. The anticipated rainfall over the coming days is expected to help narrow the state's significant rainfall deficit.
Safety Advisory
The Meteorological Department has reiterated that during thunderstorms and lightning, residents should stay indoors, keep away from open fields and isolated trees, and follow all official weather advisories. Authorities have particularly cautioned people in Orange Alert districts against venturing out unnecessarily.
Point of View
One of India's most agrarian states. The incoming storms offer hydrological relief but also carry real risk — lightning strikes remain among the leading causes of weather-related deaths in the state every monsoon. The pattern of alerts shifting southward by 22 August, from northeastern to South Bihar districts, suggests the monsoon trough is moving — and that local administrations in districts like Rohtas and Kaimur, which are less frequently flagged, need to be on preparedness footing now, not after the event.
NationPress
20 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Bihar districts are under Orange Alert on 20 August?
Seven districts — Supaul, Araria, Kishanganj, Saharsa, Madhepura, Purnea, and Katihar — are under Orange Alert on 20 August. Residents in these areas face heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, lightning, and winds of 30–40 kmph.
Which districts are under Yellow Alert in Bihar today?
Twelve districts are under Yellow Alert: Sheohar, Sitamarhi, Madhubani, Muzaffarpur, Darbhanga, Vaishali, Samastipur, Khagaria, Munger, Bhagalpur, Banka, and Jamui. Light to moderate rain with thunderstorms and strong winds is expected in these areas.
How long will the bad weather last in Bihar?
Unsettled weather is expected to continue across Bihar for the next three days. Rainfall is forecast to intensify in northeastern and eastern Bihar on 21 August, with alerts also expected for South Bihar on 22 August.
What is Bihar's current monsoon rainfall status?
Bihar has recorded 39% less rainfall than normal so far this monsoon season, according to the Meteorological Department. The expected rainfall over the coming days could help reduce the state's deficit, even as the monsoon remains active.
What safety measures should Bihar residents follow during the alerts?
The Meteorological Department advises residents to stay indoors during thunderstorms and lightning, avoid open fields and isolated trees, and follow all official weather advisories. People in Orange Alert districts have been specifically urged to avoid unnecessary travel.
