Residents of Patna and across Bihar are experiencing a dynamic shift in weather patterns. While some regions grapple with intense heat, others receive welcome relief through gusty winds and rainfall. The capital city, Patna, is set for a significant change over the next five days, with the Meteorological Department forecasting a period of storms and showers. This much-anticipated weather shift is expected to provide considerable respite from the scorching temperatures that have recently affected the region.

What Happened?

The Meteorological Department has issued a detailed five-day weather forecast for Patna, commencing April 27. On Saturday, April 27, Patna anticipates a maximum temperature of 36 degrees Celsius and a minimum of 24 degrees Celsius, with partly cloudy skies. However, a major shift is predicted from April 28, bringing a high likelihood of storms and rain to the capital. This spell of cooler, wetter weather is expected to continue, offering significant relief from the severe heat.

For Sunday, April 28, Patna's skies are expected to remain partly cloudy with potential storms and rain. Temperatures are forecast to be around 36 degrees Celsius maximum and 25 degrees Celsius minimum. Moving into Monday, April 29, cloudy conditions will likely persist, accompanied by continued storms and rain. Temperatures are expected to drop further, with a maximum of 33 degrees Celsius and a minimum of 25 degrees Celsius. This trend of cloudy skies, storms, and rain is projected to last through April 30 and May 1, with maximums of 33 degrees Celsius and minimums of 23 degrees Celsius.

This upcoming change follows a brief reprieve where Patna and 28 other cities previously saw a temperature decrease. Patna’s mercury dropped by 6.4 degrees Celsius due to easterly winds. While parts of Bihar like Araria, Katihar, Purnia, Supaul, Madhubani, Sitamarhi, and East Champaran received rainfall, other areas like Gaya, Dehri, and Bhabua recorded maximum temperatures exceeding 40 degrees Celsius. Recent storms also caused damage; Supaul reported losses to maize and mango crops, while East Champaran suffered losses to mango, litchi, and vegetables due to winds and hailstorms. An Orange Alert for heavy rain and thunder has been issued for Kishanganj on Monday, and for Araria, Kishanganj, Gopalganj, and West Champaran on Tuesday. Amidst these forecasts, the Patna District Magistrate, Dr. Tyagarajan S.M., ordered that all schools must not conduct classes after 11:30 AM until April 30 to protect children's health from severe heat.

Key Highlights

Patna is forecasted to experience a five-day period of storms and rain starting April 28, offering relief from high temperatures.
Maximum temperatures in Patna are expected to drop significantly, reaching 33 degrees Celsius by April 29 to May 1.
The city had previously seen its temperature fall by 6.4 degrees Celsius due to easterly winds, providing a temporary break from the heat.
Despite relief in some areas, districts like Gaya, Dehri, and Bhabua continue to report maximum temperatures above 40 degrees Celsius.
An Orange Alert for intense thunder and heavy rainfall has been issued for several Bihar districts, including Kishanganj, Araria, Gopalganj, and West Champaran, for the upcoming days.
Storms and hailstorms have already caused damage to crops such as maize, mango, litchi, and vegetables in Supaul and East Champaran.
The Patna District Magistrate has ordered all schools, including government and private, to not conduct classes after 11:30 AM until April 30 due to the severe heat.

Why Does This Matter?

The anticipated weather change in Patna is crucial for residents' well-being. After enduring high temperatures, the forecast of rain and storms offers much-needed relief, making daily life more bearable. Cooler temperatures improve comfort, reduce heat-related illness risks, and potentially enable more outdoor activities. This shift can also reduce energy consumption for cooling, offering a small respite to power grids and household budgets. For commuters and outdoor workers, the weather change means adjusting schedules and preparing for potentially wet and windy conditions.

Beyond immediate comfort, the forecast has broader implications for public health and the local economy. The District Magistrate's order to limit school hours highlights serious health risks posed by extreme heat, especially to children. While rain benefits agriculture, accompanying storms and hailstorms can cause significant crop damage, affecting farmers' livelihoods and local food supplies. The Orange Alert in several districts indicates potential for severe weather events, prompting communities to prepare for disruptions like localized flooding or power outages. Understanding these forecasts helps communities take necessary precautions, ensuring safety and minimizing adverse impacts.