Monsoon Rains Return to Patna, Bringing Relief and Rising River Levels

After a three-day hiatus, the capital city of Patna saw rain again as monsoon activity resumed in South Bihar. Intermittent showers throughout Thursday brought much-needed relief to residents suffering from the oppressive humidity. However, this rainfall has also led to a rise in the water level of the Ganga, which is now approaching the danger mark.

Heavy Rains in North Bihar and Nepal

In addition to the rains in Patna, heavy rainfall has been reported in the Terai regions of North Bihar, along with torrential rains in Nepal. This has caused several rivers, including the Gandak, Kosi, Bagmati, and Kamala, to swell. Consequently, flood-like conditions have emerged in multiple districts, including Bettiah, Motihari, Gopalganj, Madhubani, Supaul, and Araria.

According to SK Patel, a scientist at the Meteorological Center in Patna, monsoon activities had decreased over the past few days but gained momentum again on Thursday. Heavy rainfall is expected to continue in the northern districts of Bihar today.

Rainfall Forecast and Alerts

For today, July 12, heavy rain is forecasted in the districts of West Champaran, East Champaran, Shivhar, Sitamarhi, Madhubani, and Supaul, while very heavy rain is anticipated in Araria and Kishanganj. Light to moderate rainfall may occur in some places across all districts of South Bihar. An orange alert has been issued for Patna, Jehanabad, Nalanda, Gaya, Nawada, Begusarai, Lakhisarai, Sheikhpura, Jamui, Munger, Khagaria, Banka, and Bhagalpur due to the possibility of thunder and lightning. A yellow alert has been issued for all remaining districts except West Champaran, East Champaran, Gopalganj, Siwan, and Saran.

Monsoon Re-activation and Rainfall Prospects

The monsoon is becoming active again in Patna and surrounding areas. As per the forecast by the Meteorological Center, heavy rain is likely in the northern districts of the state over the next 48 hours, with light to moderate rain expected in other parts of the state, including Patna. Meteorologists have noted that monsoon activities were active until July 7, after which they weakened. The state has experienced 14 percent less rainfall than normal so far. However, the reactivation of monsoon rains is expected to provide some relief. On Thursday, Patna recorded a maximum temperature of 34.9 degrees Celsius and a minimum of 28.0 degrees Celsius. With rain expected from Friday, daytime temperatures are likely to decrease.

Impact of Heavy Rain in Gaya

In Gaya, heavy rainfall on Thursday caused significant disruptions. Torrential rain over a span of three hours, recording 102 mm of rainfall, led to waterlogging and affected the movement of vehicles and the evening market. Despite the inconvenience, the rain has provided much-needed water for paddy transplantation, although it has damaged some crops like moong. The city experienced a change in weather after 4 PM, with heavy rain providing relief from the intense heat of the day. On Thursday, Gaya recorded a maximum temperature of 36.4 degrees Celsius and a minimum of 26.9 degrees Celsius, with wind speeds reaching 16 km per hour.

While the return of monsoon rains has brought relief from the heat and humidity in Patna, it has also caused rivers to swell, leading to flood-like conditions in several districts. Residents are advised to stay alert and take necessary precautions as heavy rain continues to affect various parts of Bihar.