Cyclone Arnab: Red alert for Bihar's Sitamarhi, Madhubani; heavy rain warning till Oct 31
Synopsis
Cyclone Arnab has placed two Bihar districts — Sitamarhi and Madhubani — on red alert as the IMD warns of extremely heavy rainfall, lightning, and gusty winds until October 31. With four more districts on orange alert and the state capital Patna under a yellow advisory, the storm's inland march is testing preparedness across one of India's most flood-prone states.
Key Takeaways
The IMD issued tiered weather warnings for Bihar on 30 October under the impact of Cyclone Arnab .
A red alert was declared for Sitamarhi and Madhubani , forecasting extremely heavy rainfall and lightning.
An orange alert covers Darbhanga , Sheohar , East Champaran , and West Champaran , with winds of 40–50 kmph expected.
Patna and several other districts are under a yellow alert for rain and thunderstorms.
Adverse weather conditions are likely to persist through Saturday, 31 October .
Cyclone Arnab has also disrupted Andhra Pradesh , Telangana , Odisha , and Jharkhand .
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued tiered weather warnings across multiple districts of Bihar on Friday, 30 October, as Cyclone Arnab drives extremely heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, lightning, and gusty winds through the state. The adverse weather is expected to persist until Saturday, 31 October, according to the Meteorological Centre in Patna.
Red and Orange Alerts: Districts Most at Risk
A red alert — the highest level of weather warning — has been declared for Sitamarhi and Madhubani, where extremely heavy rainfall and lightning are likely. Residents in these two districts have been urged to take immediate precautions and stay indoors during thunderstorm activity.
An orange alert is in effect for Darbhanga, Sheohar, East Champaran, and West Champaran, with heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, and strong winds of 40–50 kmph anticipated. A yellow alert covers several additional districts, including the state capital Patna, where rain, thunderstorms, and lightning remain likely.
What the IMD Has Warned
Weather officials have cautioned that heavy rainfall could lead to widespread waterlogging and disrupt normal movement across affected districts. Strong winds and lightning pose particular risks to people working outdoors or in open areas. The Meteorological Centre has advised residents to shelter inside secure, enclosed buildings during thunderstorms, avoid standing under trees, stay away from open fields, and refrain from venturing into exposed locations during lightning activity.
Officials have also urged the public not to act on rumours and to rely exclusively on official weather bulletins and district-specific government advisories for accurate information.
Temperature Drop Signals Early Winter Chill
Beyond the immediate storm hazards, the IMD has forecast a significant decline in maximum temperatures across several parts of Bihar following the rainfall. Patna has already recorded a noticeable fall in temperature amid cloudy skies and intermittent rain, with the changing weather bringing an early winter-like chill to parts of the state.
Broader Impact: Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Odisha, Jharkhand
Cyclone Arnab's impact has not been confined to Bihar. The system has reportedly caused heavy disruption to normal life in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, while the coastal areas of Odisha and Jharkhand are also under its influence. Bihar's vulnerability stems from its geographic position in the cyclone's inland path as the system moves north.
Authorities are monitoring the situation closely, and the IMD is expected to issue updated bulletins as conditions evolve through 31 October.
Point of View
Storms from the Bay of Bengal — underscores the chronic gap between meteorological preparedness and on-ground disaster response. The IMD's tiered alert system is an improvement, but the real test lies in last-mile communication: whether warnings reach the farming communities of Sitamarhi and Madhubani in time to matter. Cyclone Arnab's inland trajectory also highlights how post-landfall cyclones can cause disproportionate damage in states far from the coast, a pattern that India's disaster management architecture has historically underweighted relative to coastal response.
NationPress
30 Oct 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Bihar districts are under a red alert due to Cyclone Arnab?
Sitamarhi and Madhubani are under a red alert as of 30 October, with the IMD forecasting extremely heavy rainfall and lightning in both districts. The warning is expected to remain in effect until 31 October.
What is the forecast for Patna under Cyclone Arnab?
Patna is under a yellow alert, with rain, thunderstorms, and lightning likely. The city has already recorded a noticeable temperature drop amid cloudy skies and intermittent rain, signalling an early winter-like chill.
When will Cyclone Arnab's impact on Bihar end?
According to the Meteorological Centre in Patna, the impact of the weather system is expected to continue until Saturday, 31 October. The IMD is monitoring the situation and will issue updated advisories as conditions evolve.
Which other states are affected by Cyclone Arnab?
Apart from Bihar, Cyclone Arnab has reportedly caused heavy disruption in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. Coastal areas of Odisha and Jharkhand are also under the system's influence.
What precautions has the IMD advised for residents in affected Bihar districts?
The IMD has advised residents to stay inside safe, enclosed buildings during thunderstorms, avoid open fields and trees during lightning, and refrain from venturing into exposed areas. Officials have also urged the public to rely on official weather bulletins and ignore rumours.
