IMD yellow alert Bihar Aug 11-13: 20+ districts on thunderstorm watch
Synopsis
The IMD has put more than 20 Bihar districts on a Yellow Alert from 11 to 13 August, with the storm system set to sweep from the state's east and southwest on day one to North Bihar by day two, before delivering its heaviest punch — lightning-laced heavy rain — near Kishanganj and Katihar on day three. Farmers and residents in open areas face the highest risk.
Key Takeaways
IMD Patna has issued a Yellow Alert for more than 20 districts in Bihar from 11 to 13 August .
Gusty winds of 30–40 kmph , lightning, and thunderstorms are forecast across eastern, northern, and southwestern parts of the state.
On 11 August , Seemanchal and southwestern districts including Supaul , Kishanganj , Buxar , and Rohtas are most at risk.
On 12 August , the alert shifts to North Bihar , covering West Champaran , Sitamarhi , Madhubani , and Darbhanga , among others.
On 13 August , heavy rainfall with strong squalls is particularly likely near Kishanganj and Katihar .
Residents have been advised to avoid open areas and isolated trees during storms and to stay in concrete structures during lightning.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD), Patna, has issued a Yellow Alert for more than 20 districts across Bihar from 11 August to 13 August, warning of thunderstorms, lightning, and gusty winds reaching 30–40 kmph. The alert covers large swathes of eastern, northern, and southwestern Bihar over a 72-hour window, with weather conditions expected to shift district by district across the three days.
August 11: Eastern and Southwestern Bihar in Focus
On 11 August, the primary impact is expected across Seemanchal and eastern and southwestern parts of the state. Districts including Supaul, Araria, Kishanganj, Saharsa, Madhepura, Purnea, and Katihar face a risk of lightning and strong winds. Thunderstorms are also forecast for Buxar, Bhojpur, Kaimur, Rohtas, Aurangabad, and Arwal. Central and northern districts — including Patna, Gaya, Muzaffarpur, Darbhanga, and Bhagalpur — are expected to see comparatively stable conditions on this day.
August 12: Alert Shifts to North Bihar and Seemanchal
The weather system is forecast to move northward on 12 August, placing West Champaran, East Champaran, Sitamarhi, Sheohar, Madhubani, Gopalganj, Siwan, Muzaffarpur, Darbhanga, Saran, Vaishali, and Samastipur under the Yellow Alert. Gusty winds and lightning remain the primary hazards. Districts such as Patna, Buxar, Bhojpur, Rohtas, Gaya, Nawada, and Aurangabad are expected to remain in the Green Zone on this day.
August 13: Heavy Rain Likely Near Kishanganj and Katihar
On 13 August, the alert continues across North Bihar and parts of eastern Bihar, covering Munger, Khagaria, Bhagalpur, Banka, and Jamui. Heavy rainfall accompanied by lightning and strong squalls is particularly likely around Kishanganj and Katihar. Light to moderate rain with thunderstorms may persist across other parts of North and East Bihar. Patna, Nalanda, Gaya, Aurangabad, and Rohtas are again expected to remain in the Green Zone.
Safety Advisory for Residents and Farmers
The IMD and district administrations have urged residents — especially farmers working in open fields — to avoid standing under isolated trees or in open areas during thunderstorms. Authorities have advised people to take shelter in concrete structures during lightning events and to follow official weather bulletins closely. Farmers have been specifically cautioned to avoid agricultural activity in alert zones during peak storm hours.
This is the latest in a series of weather advisories issued for Bihar during the active monsoon season, as the state remains prone to rapid weather shifts between July and September each year.
Point of View
But its reach into rural Seemanchal and North Bihar — where mobile connectivity and awareness remain uneven — will determine whether the warning translates into lives saved.
NationPress
10 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Bihar districts are under IMD Yellow Alert from August 11 to 13?
More than 20 districts are covered across the three days. On 11 August, Supaul, Araria, Kishanganj, Saharsa, Madhepura, Purnea, Katihar, Buxar, Bhojpur, Kaimur, Rohtas, Aurangabad, and Arwal are on alert. On 12 August, the alert moves to West Champaran, East Champaran, Sitamarhi, Sheohar, Madhubani, Gopalganj, Siwan, Muzaffarpur, Darbhanga, Saran, Vaishali, and Samastipur. On 13 August, Munger, Khagaria, Bhagalpur, Banka, and Jamui are added, with Kishanganj and Katihar facing the heaviest rain risk.
What does a Yellow Alert from IMD mean?
A Yellow Alert from the India Meteorological Department signals that adverse weather — in this case thunderstorms, lightning, and gusty winds — is expected and that residents should remain watchful and prepared. It is the third of four alert levels (Green, Yellow, Orange, Red), indicating a moderate risk that warrants caution but not immediate evacuation.
What safety precautions has the IMD advised for Bihar residents?
The IMD and district administrations have advised people to avoid open fields, isolated trees, and exposed areas during thunderstorms. Residents are urged to take shelter in concrete structures during lightning and to follow official weather bulletins. Farmers have been specifically cautioned against working outdoors in alert zones during peak storm hours.
Is Patna under the Yellow Alert?
No. Patna is expected to remain in the Green Zone on all three days — 11, 12, and 13 August. Central districts including Gaya, Nalanda, Aurangabad, and Rohtas are also projected to see relatively stable conditions throughout the alert period.
When is the heaviest rainfall expected in Bihar during this alert period?
The heaviest rainfall, accompanied by lightning and strong squalls, is forecast for 13 August, particularly around Kishanganj and Katihar in eastern Bihar. Light to moderate rain with thunderstorms may continue across other parts of North and East Bihar on the same day.
