Patna: Bihar, which has been enduring intense heat and temperatures above 40 degrees Celsius for several days, has found relief due to a sudden change in weather. Now, cooler conditions are being experienced in many parts of the state.
Effect of Pre-Monsoon Activity and Western Disturbance
According to the Meteorological Department, this change is due to pre-monsoon activities. Moist winds coming from the Bay of Bengal and the influence of the Western Disturbance have created instability in the atmosphere, leading to rain, thunderstorms, and strong winds.
Rain and Strong Winds Forecast Until May 3
Light rain, thunderstorms, and winds with speeds up to 40 kmph are expected in many districts of the state. The Meteorological Department has issued a yellow alert for 33 districts.
Temperatures drop, but heat wave persists
Temperatures have dropped, but the heat wave hasn’t completely subsided. Kaimur was the hottest district, recording a temperature of 33.3°C, while Gaya and Rajgir recorded temperatures of 33.2°C and 33.0°C, respectively.
Storm wreaks havoc, 13 dead
A severe storm, rain, and hailstorm that struck from Wednesday night to Thursday wreaked havoc. A total of 13 people were killed and more than a dozen injured in several districts of Bihar.
Strong winds toppled trees, power poles, and wires, causing widespread power outages. Fallen trees on roads disrupted traffic and disrupted railway services.
Crops Destroyed, Several Tragic Accidents Reported
The storm and hailstorm caused significant damage to mango and litchi crops. Tragic incidents were reported from several districts—a young man died in Begusarai after a wall collapsed, a child was killed by a falling tree in Hajipur, and a man was killed by lightning in Aurangabad.
Lightning-induced fires were also reported in several areas, including Sitamarhi, further exacerbating the damage.