Bihar braces for thunderstorms, heavy rain as IMD issues orange alert

According to the IMD bulletin for Patna, the evening is expected to bring strong surface winds and very light to light rainfall, accompanied by thunderstorms with lightning and gusty winds reaching 40-50 kmph. During the night, wind speeds could increase to 50-60 kmph, with the possibility of a thundersquall. For Patna specifically, a yellow alert is in place for June 12, forecasting very light to light rainfall throughout the day, with thunderstorms, lightning, and gusty winds of 40-50 kmph possible in the morning, forenoon, afternoon, and evening. Bhagalpur is also anticipated to receive moderate rainfall from today until June 15.

Overall, rain and thunderstorm activity are expected across 33 districts in Bihar over the next 24 to 48 hours. This weather system is predicted to bring a welcome drop in maximum temperatures by 2°C to 4°C in many parts of the state, offering relief from the current heat and humidity. Authorities are urging residents in affected areas to exercise caution, stay indoors during storms, and avoid open fields and tall trees due to the risk of lightning and strong winds.

Meanwhile, Dehradun and several other districts in Uttarakhand are also set for a wet spell with light to moderate rain and thunderstorms predicted. The IMD has warned of lightning and gusty winds, with higher altitudes potentially seeing snowfall. This follows heavy showers on Wednesday that offered respite from the heat. The IMD expects this rain and thunderstorm activity to continue across Uttarakhand over the next several days, with widespread rain activity also forecast across Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, and Rajasthan due to a Western Disturbance.