Bihar is currently grappling with a severe spell of turbulent weather this May, marked by widespread thunderstorms, heavy rainfall, and dangerous lightning strikes across several districts. The India Meteorological Department has issued critical warnings, including yellow alerts, for numerous regions, advising residents to prepare for strong winds and potential hailstones. This erratic weather, attributed to a combination of atmospheric factors, has brought both relief from the heat and significant challenges, impacting daily life in the affected areas.

What Happened?

On Thursday, the North-Eastern parts of Bihar are particularly vulnerable to intense weather activity. Districts such as Banka, Bhagalpur, Katihar, Khagaria, Madhepura, Munger, and Purnia are expected to witness thunder, lightning, and strong winds blowing at speeds between 40 to 50 kilometers per hour. In contrast, several other districts, including Champaran, Gopalganj, Siwan, Saran, Darbhanga, Patna, Nalanda, Sheikhpura, and Begusarai, might experience largely dry conditions, showcasing a significant regional variation in weather patterns.

The recent days have already seen a preview of this volatile weather. Muzaffarpur district, for instance, experienced drastic shifts on Wednesday. After a day of scorching sunshine, the evening brought a sudden downpour accompanied by strong winds and thunder, providing temporary relief. Some northern and western parts of the district even reported hailstones. Dr. A. Sattar, a nodal officer from the Meteorological Department, confirmed a yellow alert for Thursday, forecasting wind speeds of approximately 55 to 60 km/h, with a likelihood of thunder, lightning, and scattered hailstones. People are advised to exercise caution when leaving their homes.

Similarly, Gaya district observed a sharp increase in humidity and heat on Wednesday morning, leading to thunderstorm conditions and subsequent rain with strong winds in the afternoon. Weather expert S.K. Patel explained that a western disturbance, a trough line, and easterly winds are introducing moisture into the atmosphere, causing this unstable weather. He anticipates that over the next two days, the pattern will continue with humid mornings followed by strong winds and rain in the afternoons, with isolated incidents of thunderstorms and hailstones. Purnia district and surrounding areas are under a yellow alert until May 16, with clearer weather expected from May 17.

Key Highlights

Thunderstorms, heavy rain, and dangerous lightning strikes are impacting various districts across Bihar this May.
North-Eastern districts, including Banka, Bhagalpur, and Purnia, are forecast to experience severe weather on Thursday with winds up to 50 km/h.
Muzaffarpur district saw significant weather changes on Wednesday, with daytime heat giving way to evening downpours, strong winds, and localized hailstones.
A Yellow Alert has been issued for Muzaffarpur on Thursday, predicting strong winds of 55-60 km/h, thunder, lightning, and potential hailstones.
Gaya district also reported thunderstorms and rain on Wednesday, driven by increased humidity and heat.
The India Meteorological Department attributes the erratic weather to a western disturbance, a trough line, and moisture-laden easterly winds.
Residents, especially in districts under yellow alerts like Purnia (until May 16), are advised to take necessary precautions against severe weather events.

Why Does This Matter?

This current spell of severe weather holds significant implications for the common people of Bihar. The combination of strong winds, heavy rain, and particularly lightning strikes poses serious safety risks. Lightning, or 'vazrapat,' can be extremely dangerous and even fatal, making it crucial for individuals to seek shelter indoors during storms and avoid open areas, tall trees, or electrical poles. Power outages are also a common consequence of such weather, disrupting essential services and daily routines for families and businesses across affected regions.

Beyond immediate safety concerns, the unpredictable nature of these storms can have a considerable impact on agriculture, which is the backbone of Bihar's economy. Farmers face challenges with their crops, whether it's damage from hailstones, strong winds, or excessive rainfall, potentially affecting livelihoods. Therefore, staying informed through official weather advisories and taking proactive measures, such as securing loose objects and planning travel accordingly, becomes vital for everyone to mitigate potential risks and adapt to these changing weather conditions for their safety and economic well-being.