Bihar is witnessing a prolonged spell of monsoon rain, bringing much-needed relief but also widespread problems. The capital city Patna has recorded heavy rainfall for more than fourteen hours. According to residents, it has been years since the city experienced such intense showers in such a short span. The continuous downpour has led to severe waterlogging in many areas, once again making the city resemble a flooded zone. Meteorologists confirm that this level of rainfall within twelve hours is rare for Patna. The weather department has issued alerts across the state, warning of thunderstorms and lightning in several districts. A yellow alert remains in effect until 25 August, and citizens are urged to stay alert.

Rainfall to Persist for the Next Few Days

Weather experts believe the current situation will last for the next two to three days. The active monsoon trough line, supported by moisture from the Bay of Bengal, is fueling the heavy rainfall. The Patna Meteorological Center has predicted widespread showers along with thunderstorms until Tuesday morning. The alert covers all 38 districts of Bihar. This warning will remain valid until 8:30 AM on 25 August, suggesting that the entire state may face heavy downpours and lightning strikes during this period.

Statewide Impact of the Ongoing Monsoon

The Indian Meteorological Department has predicted rain across all districts of Bihar. Strong winds, moving at a speed of 30 to 40 kilometers per hour, are expected in several regions. Lightning activity is also possible in parts of the state. Northern districts like Sitamarhi, Darbhanga, Madhubani, Supaul, Araria, Kishanganj, Purnea, Katihar, and Saharsa are likely to receive significant rainfall. Central and southern regions including Patna, Gaya, Aurangabad, Bhojpur, Buxar, Kaimur, Rohtas, Jahanabad, Nalanda, Sheikhpura, Lakhisarai, and Jamui will also be affected. Eastern districts such as Bhagalpur, Banka, and Munger are under the same warning. This large-scale coverage indicates that no part of the state is likely to remain dry in the coming days.

Patna Struggles with Waterlogging Again

The capital has once again turned into a waterlogged city, a scenario residents dread every monsoon. Streets are submerged, traffic movement is disrupted, and people are facing difficulties reaching workplaces and schools. Many localities in Patna have reported knee-deep water, forcing residents to stay indoors. In some areas, drainage systems have completely collapsed under the pressure of the continuous rainfall. The city has long struggled with poor drainage infrastructure, and this fresh round of rain has once again exposed its limitations. Residents recall similar scenes from previous years, yet little improvement has been made in flood management inside the capital.

Situation Across Other Districts

The monsoon showers are not limited to Patna. On Sunday, many districts including Araria, Supaul, and Madhubani recorded significant rainfall. Among these, Araria received the highest rainfall at 32.4 millimeters. In Supaul, only light drizzle was reported, while Madhubani experienced strong winds blowing at 43 kilometers per hour. Weather experts note that the strength of the winds could pose risks for weak structures and trees. Several parts of West Champaran and East Champaran also reported heavy showers, creating challenges for farmers and residents. Local administrations in these districts are on alert, preparing for possible waterlogging and damage to crops.

Temperature Fluctuations Across the State

The heavy rainfall has brought noticeable changes in temperature across Bihar. In Valmiki Nagar, the maximum temperature recorded was 33.8 degrees Celsius, making it the hottest spot. On the other hand, Purnea recorded the lowest temperature at 24.7 degrees Celsius. Many other regions experienced rising humidity levels despite rainfall, making conditions uncomfortable for people. Meteorologists suggest that such temperature variation is normal during active monsoon phases, but the combination of high humidity and continuous rain often worsens the daily struggle for residents.

Yellow Alert Remains in Force

The Bihar Meteorological Department has issued a yellow alert until 25 August. The warning applies to all districts, urging people to stay cautious during thunderstorms and lightning strikes. Authorities have advised residents to avoid unnecessary travel and stay indoors when lightning activity is reported. Farmers have been told to avoid working in open fields during heavy rainfall to reduce the risk of accidents. The yellow alert also emphasizes the possibility of moderate flooding in low-lying areas due to continuous downpours. Disaster management teams are on standby in several districts to tackle emergencies.

Farmers Face Challenges During Heavy Rainfall

The ongoing spell of rain has created challenges for farmers across the state. While rainfall is crucial for paddy cultivation, excessive waterlogging can damage standing crops. Farmers in North Bihar are worried about the effect of thunderstorms and strong winds on their fields. Many villages near river basins are facing rising water levels, and farmers are preparing for possible crop loss. Agricultural experts suggest that the next two to three days will be crucial. If rainfall continues at this pace, paddy fields may suffer damage, particularly in areas with poor drainage.

Monsoon Trough Bringing Continuous Moisture

The weather department attributes the current situation to the monsoon trough line that remains active over Bihar. Moisture from the Bay of Bengal is constantly feeding the system, resulting in widespread and heavy rainfall. This weather pattern is not unusual for Bihar during late August, but the intensity of the showers has been higher this year. The trough line is expected to remain active for at least two more days, meaning that the rain is unlikely to stop anytime soon. Meteorologists suggest that such continuous moisture inflow often leads to thunderstorms and lightning activity, which poses greater risks for residents.

Lightning Incidents Remain a Concern

One of the biggest concerns during this rainy spell is lightning strikes. Bihar records some of the highest lightning-related casualties in India every monsoon. With thunderstorms expected across all districts, residents are being urged to remain cautious. The government has repeatedly advised people not to take shelter under trees or step into open fields during lightning activity. Villagers in northern districts, where agricultural work continues despite rain, are at greater risk. The yellow alert specifically highlights this danger, making it clear that lightning remains a major threat alongside heavy showers.

Transportation and Daily Life Disrupted

The impact of continuous rainfall is visible across Bihar’s transportation network. Roads in Patna and other major cities are waterlogged, leading to traffic jams. Railway services have been delayed in some sections due to track flooding. Bus services are running but face challenges as highways are waterlogged in several districts. Air traffic has not yet faced major disruption, but passengers are advised to check flight schedules before traveling. For daily commuters, the situation has become difficult, with many choosing to work from home rather than brave the flooded streets.

Local Authorities on High Alert

District administrations are actively monitoring the situation. In Patna, the municipal corporation has deployed pumps to remove water from major intersections. Disaster management teams have been alerted in vulnerable districts like Supaul, Araria, and Darbhanga. Relief centers are being prepared in case water levels rise further in low-lying regions. Authorities are also keeping close watch on river levels, as heavy rain in catchment areas can lead to sudden floods. The Ganga and its tributaries are being monitored for rising water levels, especially in districts like Bhagalpur and Munger.

Meteorologists predict that the rain will continue until at least Tuesday morning. The situation may improve after that, depending on the weakening of the monsoon trough. However, the current forecast suggests that intermittent showers will remain common in most districts for the rest of the week. The yellow alert, valid until 25 August, may be extended if heavy rainfall persists. Citizens are advised to follow official weather updates closely.