Bihar Weather Bulletin: 'Red Alert' in 4 Districts Including Begusarai and Munger; Heavy Rain and Lightning Warning Across Multiple Areas
PATNA: The weather pattern in Bihar has completely shifted due to an active monsoon and a prevailing cyclonic system. The Patna Meteorological Centre has issued a high alert for severe thunderstorms, torrential rainfall, and lightning strikes (vajrapat) across several districts of the state until this evening (June 17). According to meteorologists, the northern limit of the Southwest Monsoon is currently passing through Muzaffarpur and Jeypore, triggering intense weather activity across Central and North-Eastern Bihar.
District-Wise Alert Status
The Meteorological Department has categorized the state into three main zones based on the severity of the expected weather:
| Alert Level | Affected Districts | Expected Weather Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| Red Alert | Begusarai, Munger, Jamui, and Lakhisarai | Extremely heavy rainfall, severe thunderstorms, and a high risk of cloud-to-ground lightning strikes. |
| Orange Alert | Muzaffarpur, Bhagalpur, Purnia, Khagaria, Banka, Darbhanga, Saharsa, Supaul, Vaishali, Samastipur, Madhepura, Sitamarhi | Heavy to very heavy rainfall accompanied by gusty winds speeding up to 50–60 km/h. |
| Yellow Alert | Patna, Nalanda, Sheikhpura, Siwan, Saran, and Kishanganj | Light to moderate rainfall with thunderstorms and lightning. |
Ground Report (Muzaffarpur): In Muzaffarpur and its adjoining areas, dark clouds engulfed the sky suddenly around 1:00 PM, followed by heavy downpours and strong winds. The sudden rainfall has brought much-needed respite to residents from the oppressive heat and humidity.
Double Attack: Rainfall in the North, Heatwave in the South
Bihar is currently experiencing a striking contrast in weather. While Northern, Central, and Eastern parts of the state are witnessing heavy monsoon showers, a few districts in South-West Bihar continue to battle scorching summer conditions. The Met Department has issued a Yellow Alert for heatwave conditions in Bhojpur, Buxar, Arwal, Kaimur, Jehanabad, and Rohtas, where maximum temperatures remain well above 40°C.
Safety Advisory by the Administration
In light of the imminent threat of lightning strikes and severe thunderstorms, the Disaster Management Department has issued an urgent advisory for the public:
Avoid taking shelter in open fields, under trees, or near water bodies during bad weather.
Stay clear of electrical poles, transformers, and tall metal structures.
Farmers working in fields are advised to immediately move to concrete buildings or safe indoor locations as soon as the weather turns foul.
