Bihar, Jharkhand Aaj ka mausam is on high alert as the India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasts dramatic weather shifts starting tonight, April 26, 2025. From torrential rains and lightning strikes to powerful winds and potential hailstorms, the state is gearing up for a turbulent few days. This article dives deep into the latest weather updates, affected districts, safety precautions, and the impact on residents and farmers. Stay informed and prepared with our comprehensive guide to Bihar’s impending weather challenges.
Understanding Bihar, Jharkhand Aaj ka mausam Alert Weather Crisis: What’s Happening?
Bihar has been grappling with scorching heat and oppressive humidity, with temperatures soaring past 43°C in some areas. However, relief from the heatwave is on the horizon, but it comes with a catch. The IMD has issued an orange alert, signaling severe weather conditions, including heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, and gusty winds, expected to sweep across the state from April 26 to April 30, 2025. This sudden shift is driven by active weather systems, including a western disturbance and cyclonic circulations, creating a perfect storm for Bihar.
The forecast warns of winds reaching speeds of 60–70 km/h, rainfall between 10–50 mm, and isolated hailstorms in several districts. While this change will cool down the blistering temperatures, it poses significant risks, especially for farmers and rural communities. Let’s break down the forecast, its implications, and how you can stay safe.
Bihar, Jharkhand Aaj ka mausam Alert: Detailed Breakdown (April 26–30, 2025)
The IMD’s latest update paints a vivid picture of the weather turmoil awaiting Bihar. Here’s a day-by-day analysis of what to expect:
April 26: The Calm Before the Storm
- Daytime Conditions: Hot and humid, with temperatures peaking at 41.6°C in Patna and 43.4°C in Gaya and Dehri. Districts like Gopalganj, Siwan, Saran, and Patna will experience “hot day” conditions, with heatwave-like scenarios and high humidity.
- Nighttime Shift: Starting late on April 26, the weather will take a drastic turn. Expect thunderstorms, lightning, and gusty winds in eastern and northern districts, including East Champaran, Sitamarhi, and Supaul.
April 27: Peak of the Storm
- Widespread Impact: Patna, East Champaran, Shivhar, Madhubani, Supaul, Araria, and Kishanganj are under a red alert for thunderstorms, lightning, and heavy rainfall. Hailstorms are likely in isolated areas, particularly in Gopalganj and Kishanganj.
- Wind Speeds: Gusts of 60–70 km/h could cause structural damage, uproot trees, and disrupt power lines.
- Rainfall: 10–50 mm of rain is expected, with some areas seeing intense downpours.
April 28–30: Continued Turbulence
- Ongoing Alerts: The orange alert extends through April 30, with scattered showers, thunderstorms, and strong winds across most of Bihar. Districts like Muzaffarpur, Darbhanga, Bhagalpur, and Purnia will see significant activity.
- Hailstorm Risks: Northern districts, including Madhubani and Araria, remain vulnerable to hail, which could damage crops and property.
- Cooler Temperatures: The rainfall will lower daytime temperatures, offering relief from the heat but increasing humidity levels.
Affected Districts: Where to Watch Out
The IMD has pinpointed several districts likely to bear the brunt of this weather event. Here’s a detailed list:
- High-Risk Zones (Red Alert): Patna, East Champaran, West Champaran, Shivhar, Madhubani, Supaul, Araria, Kishanganj, Sitamarhi.
- Moderate Risk (Orange Alert): Gopalganj, Siwan, Saran, Samastipur, Vaishali, Khagaria, Bhagalpur, Purnia, Katihar, Saharsa, Madhepura.
- Hot Day Conditions: Bhojpur, Buxar, Kaimur, Rohtas, Aurangabad, Gaya, Nawada, Jamui, Banka, Munger, Jehanabad, Nalanda, Arwal, Sheikhpura, Begusarai.
Residents in these areas should stay vigilant, monitor local weather updates, and avoid unnecessary outdoor activities during severe weather.
Why This Weather Shift Matters: Heat to Havoc
Bihar’s recent heatwave has been relentless, with temperatures in Gaya and Dehri hitting 43.4°C on April 25, followed closely by Sheikhpura (42.5°C), Aurangabad (42.3°C), and Patna (41.6°C). The scorching conditions have made outdoor activities unbearable, with heatstroke cases reported in Sheikhpura and Begusarai.
The incoming weather system promises relief from the heat but introduces new challenges:
- Lightning Risks: Bihar is notorious for lightning-related fatalities, with hundreds of deaths reported annually. The IMD urges residents to avoid open fields and tall structures during storms.
- Hail and Crop Damage: Hailstorms could devastate crops like wheat and maize, especially in northern districts where fields are still recovering from recent unseasonal rains.
- Wind Hazards: Gusts up to 70 km/h may topple trees, damage homes, and disrupt power supply, particularly in rural areas.
The Science Behind the Storm: What’s Driving This Weather?
The IMD attributes this dramatic weather shift to a combination of atmospheric phenomena:
- Western Disturbance: A trough in the mid-tropospheric westerlies is influencing northern India, bringing moisture and instability.
- Cyclonic Circulations: Multiple cyclonic systems are active, including one over Jammu and Kashmir (3.1 km above sea level), another over Punjab (1.5 km), and a third over central Assam (0.9 km). These systems are funneling moist air into Bihar.
- Eastern Winds: Increased humidity from eastern airflow is fueling thunderstorms and rainfall.
This convergence of weather systems is creating a volatile environment, leading to the IMD’s urgent warnings. Understanding these factors helps explain why Bihar is bracing for such intense conditions.
Impact on Farmers: A Double-Edged Sword
Bihar’s farmers, often referred to as the state’s “annadatas” (food providers), are particularly vulnerable to this weather shift. Recent unseasonal rains already damaged crops like wheat and maize, leaving many farmers reeling from losses. The upcoming storms could exacerbate their plight:
- Crop Damage: Hail and heavy rain threaten standing crops and harvested grains stored in open fields. Districts like Madhubani, Supaul, and Araria are at high risk.
- Economic Losses: With crops destroyed, farmers face financial hardship, especially those without insurance or access to relief programs.
- Safety Concerns: Farmers working in fields during thunderstorms risk lightning strikes, a leading cause of weather-related deaths in Bihar.
The IMD has advised farmers to secure harvested crops, avoid fieldwork during storms, and monitor agrometeorological advisories for timely updates.
Safety Tips: How to Stay Protected During the Storm
The IMD and local authorities have issued critical safety guidelines to minimize risks during this turbulent weather. Here’s what you need to do:
General Safety Measures
- Stay Indoors: Avoid going outside during thunderstorms, especially in open fields or near water bodies.
- Avoid Conductive Objects: Stay away from metal objects, power lines, and electrical appliances during lightning activity.
- Secure Property: Reinforce windows, doors, and loose structures to withstand high winds.
For Farmers
- Protect Crops: Move harvested grains to covered storage to shield them from rain and hail.
- Avoid Fieldwork: Suspend outdoor activities during thunderstorms to reduce lightning risks.
- Follow Advisories: Check the IMD’s Gramin Krishi Mausam Seva for tailored agricultural guidance.
During Lightning
- Seek Shelter: Take cover in a sturdy building or a fully enclosed vehicle. Avoid open structures like sheds or tents.
- 30-30 Rule: If you see lightning and hear thunder within 30 seconds, stay indoors until 30 minutes after the last thunderclap.
- Avoid Trees and Poles: Never take shelter under trees or near power poles, as they attract lightning.
Emergency Preparedness
- Stock Supplies: Keep food, water, flashlights, and first-aid kits ready in case of power outages or road blockages.
- Stay Informed: Monitor weather updates via radio, TV, or the IMD’s website (mausam.imd.gov.in).
- Contact Authorities: Save local emergency numbers for quick access during crises.
By following these precautions, you can significantly reduce the risks posed by Bihar’s impending weather turmoil.
Historical Context: Bihar’s Weather Woes
Bihar has a long history of extreme weather events, from heatwaves and floods to lightning strikes and unseasonal rains. In July 2023, the IMD issued a red alert for heavy rainfall exceeding 204.4 mm, causing widespread flooding. Earlier this year, unseasonal rains from March to April 2025 damaged crops across northern districts, highlighting the state’s vulnerability to erratic weather patterns.
Lightning is a particular concern, with Bihar recording over 1,500 lightning-related deaths annually, according to the National Crime Records Bureau. The state’s flat terrain and high humidity make it a hotspot for thunderstorms, amplifying the need for robust early warning systems and public awareness.
The IMD’s advanced Doppler Weather Radar in Patna, operational since 2011, has improved forecasting accuracy, enabling timely alerts like the current orange and red warnings. However, challenges remain in ensuring rural communities receive and act on these warnings promptly.
What to Expect After April 30: A Glimpse Ahead
While the IMD’s current forecast focuses on April 26–30, preliminary models suggest that Bihar may see a return to warmer, drier conditions by early May. However, isolated thunderstorms could persist in northern districts, driven by lingering moisture from eastern winds. Residents should remain vigilant, as weather patterns can shift rapidly.
The IMD’s long-term outlook indicates that the 2025 monsoon season, expected to bring 103% of average rainfall, could further influence Bihar’s weather dynamics. Farmers and policymakers should prepare for a potentially active monsoon to mitigate flood risks and optimize agricultural planning.
How to Access Real-Time Weather Updates
Staying informed is critical during severe weather events. Here are reliable sources for real-time updates:
- IMD Website: Visit mausam.imd.gov.in for city-specific forecasts, radar images, and advisories.
- Patna Meteorological Centre: Check local bulletins for Bihar-specific warnings.
- Mobile Apps: Download apps like AccuWeather or Skymet for hourly updates.
- Social Media: Follow @Indiametdept and @imd_patna on X for instant alerts.
- Local News: Tune into channels like AIR News Patna or News18 Bihar for regional updates.
Conclusion: Stay Safe, Stay Prepared
Bihar’s weather is about to take a dramatic turn, bringing both relief from the heat and new challenges in the form of rain, thunderstorms, and high winds. The IMD’s orange and red alerts underscore the urgency of staying prepared, especially in high-risk districts like Patna, Madhubani, and Kishanganj. By following safety guidelines, securing property, and monitoring updates, residents can navigate this turbulent period with confidence.
Farmers, in particular, must take proactive steps to protect their crops and livelihoods from hail and heavy rain. As Bihar braces for this weather upheaval, community resilience and timely action will be key to minimizing losses and ensuring safety.
For the latest updates, keep an eye on the IMD’s website and local news channels. Stay safe, stay informed, and let’s weather this storm together.
