Is Monsoon Gaining Pace in Bihar? IMD Issues Yellow Alert for 18 Districts

Patna, July 11 (NationPress) The monsoon has gained momentum in Bihar, as the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a yellow alert for 18 districts on Friday. This alert forecasts rain, thunderstorms, and strong winds reaching speeds of up to 40 km per hour.

The IMD predicts light to moderate rain accompanied by thundershowers in the districts under alert. A yellow alert indicates the likelihood of moderate rainfall. While the rainfall may not be severe, it can lead to localized flooding in low-lying areas and disrupt outdoor activities.

The Meteorological Department has advised farmers and individuals in open areas to exercise caution and avoid taking shelter under trees during thunderstorms due to the risk of lightning.

The Patna Meteorological Centre noted that a low-pressure system in the Bay of Bengal is shifting the monsoon trough towards Bihar, resulting in extensive rainfall throughout the state. Heavy to very heavy rain is anticipated in multiple districts until July 20, which will be beneficial for paddy sowing and transplantation.

This year, Bihar experienced 52% less rainfall than average from late June to the first ten days of July (133 mm compared to the usual 275 mm). This shortfall has raised concerns among farmers about insufficient moisture in fields, affecting Kharif crop planting.

In Patna, light to moderate rain is expected on Friday, with maximum temperatures around 35 degrees Celsius and minimums around 27 degrees. Humidity levels will remain high at 80-85%, creating humid heat conditions.

In the last 24 hours, light rain was recorded in Lakhisarai, while Aurangabad registered the highest temperature at 35.4 degrees Celsius and Gaya the lowest at 27.5 degrees.

The lack of rainfall in southern Bihar districts, including Patna, Gaya, Bhojpur, Nalanda, and Aurangabad, has adversely affected farming operations.

Additionally, heavy rainfall in Nepal has resulted in rising water levels in Bihar's rivers.

The Gandak River at Dumaria Ghat in Gopalganj is approaching the danger mark, while water levels in the Ganga at Patna and the Bagmati in Muzaffarpur are also increasing rapidly, heightening the risk of flooding.

The IMD has cautioned residents in riverbank villages to remain vigilant and avoid risky activities such as boating or taking selfies near swollen rivers.

While the rain is expected to provide relief to farmers, caution remains necessary due to lightning and potential flooding, as emphasized by MeT Department officials.