Cyclone Arnab: Orange alert in Bihar from Oct 29, heavy rain likely Oct 28-Nov 1
Synopsis
Cyclone Arnab won't make landfall in Bihar, but it doesn't have to — the storm's indirect effects are enough to trigger an orange alert, forecast winds of up to 50 kmph, and a threat to crops and lives across the state from October 28. North Bihar, historically vulnerable to extreme weather, faces the worst of it on October 29.
Key Takeaways
Cyclone Arnab over the Bay of Bengal is forecast to affect Bihar between 28 October and 1 November 2026 .
The Meteorological Department has reportedly issued an orange alert for Bihar on 29 October and a yellow alert for select districts on 28 October .
The storm is expected to approach the Andhra Pradesh coast on 28 October ; Bihar will not face a direct landfall.
Wind speeds of 40–50 kmph and lightning are forecast; North Bihar districts face the most intense weather activity.
Temperatures expected near 30°C maximum and 21°C minimum, with humidity ranging 55%–75% .
Farmers advised to protect crops; residents urged to avoid trees and electric poles during thunderstorms.
Cyclone Arnab, the developing cyclonic storm over the Bay of Bengal, is set to influence weather across Bihar between 28 October and 1 November 2026, with the Meteorological Department reportedly issuing an orange alert for the state on 29 October and a yellow alert for select districts on 28 October. The storm is expected to approach the Andhra Pradesh coast on 28 October, and while Bihar will not face a direct landfall, its indirect effects are forecast to bring significant rainfall, thunderstorms, and strong winds to several districts.
Weather Forecast for Bihar
Easterly winds have already intensified over Bihar, accompanied by rising humidity levels, according to the weather forecast. Some areas could receive heavy rainfall on 29 October, with North Bihar districts expected to experience the most intense weather activity during this period. Wind speeds are forecast to reach 40–50 kmph, accompanied by thunderstorms and lightning.
By contrast, conditions on 26 and 27 October are expected to remain largely dry and normal. Cities including Patna and Muzaffarpur are likely to see sunny skies, with cooler mornings and evenings and no immediate rainfall risk.
Temperature and Humidity Outlook
The maximum temperature is expected to hover around 30 degrees Celsius, while the minimum may settle near 21 degrees Celsius in the coming days. Relative humidity is forecast to range between 55% and 75%, with levels potentially rising as the weather system develops and draws closer to the coast.
Risks to Agriculture and Infrastructure
The anticipated rain and strong winds pose risks to standing crops and fruit-bearing trees across Bihar's agricultural belt. Lightning poses a threat to people, livestock, and property, while temporary structures, tin-roofed houses, and makeshift dwellings remain particularly vulnerable to wind damage. Farmers have been advised to monitor official weather updates and take precautions to protect crops and agricultural equipment ahead of the system's peak influence.
Safety Advisories for Residents
Authorities have urged residents to avoid sheltering beneath trees or near electric poles during thunderstorms and to move to sturdy buildings when lightning occurs. Unnecessary travel during periods of heavy rain and strong winds has been discouraged. Although Bihar is not in the direct path of Cyclone Arnab, its associated weather conditions could disrupt normal life and agricultural operations across multiple districts between 28 October and 1 November. Officials and farmers have been urged to follow all official advisories closely as the system evolves.
Point of View
And Cyclone Arnab is a reminder that indirect effects can be as disruptive as a direct hit. The orange alert for 29 October covers one of the state's most agriculturally active periods — late-harvest season — meaning crop losses could be significant if the forecast intensity holds. What is notably absent from the public advisory is district-level specificity for the yellow alert on 28 October, which risks leaving some farmers underprepared. A state with repeated flood and storm exposure ought to have real-time, district-granular alert dissemination as standard practice by now.
NationPress
26 Oct 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Cyclone Arnab and how will it affect Bihar?
Cyclone Arnab is a developing cyclonic storm over the Bay of Bengal, expected to approach the Andhra Pradesh coast on 28 October. While Bihar will not face a direct landfall, its indirect effects are forecast to bring heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, and winds of 40–50 kmph to several districts between 28 October and 1 November 2026.
What weather alerts have been issued for Bihar due to Cyclone Arnab?
The Meteorological Department has reportedly issued a yellow alert for certain Bihar districts on 28 October and an orange alert for the state on 29 October. North Bihar districts are expected to experience the most intense weather activity during the period.
Which areas of Bihar are most at risk from Cyclone Arnab?
North Bihar districts are forecast to face the heaviest rainfall and most intense weather activity, particularly on 29 October. Cities like Patna and Muzaffarpur are also likely to be affected, though conditions on 26 and 27 October are expected to remain dry.
What precautions should Bihar residents and farmers take?
Residents should avoid sheltering under trees or near electric poles during thunderstorms and move to sturdy structures when lightning occurs. Farmers have been advised to monitor official weather updates and secure crops and agricultural equipment ahead of the system's peak impact between 28 October and 1 November.
When will normal weather return to Bihar after Cyclone Arnab?
Weather conditions are expected to gradually normalise after 1 November 2026, once the cyclone's influence on Bihar weakens. Residents and farmers are urged to follow official advisories until the system fully moves away.
