Bihar Weather: Rajdev Pandey, Patna. April in Bihar is no longer just a month signaling the onset of summer. Statistics from the past four years indicate that April has transformed into a scorching hot month. For example, in the years 2020 and before, temperatures of 40 degrees Celsius or higher were considered exceptions, but in the past three years, the situation has escalated to a heatwave scenario. Across the state’s major cities, including Patna, Gaya, Bhagalpur, and Purnia, temperatures have risen by an average of two to five degrees Celsius.
Trend of Increasing Maximum April Temperatures
According to IMD Patna, in April 2020, Patna, Bhagalpur, and Purnia saw maximum temperatures stay below 40 degrees Celsius. Only on two days, April 17 and 19, did Gaya reach a maximum temperature of 40.2 and 40 degrees Celsius, respectively. In 2021, on April 28, Patna and Gaya recorded maximum temperatures of 42 degrees, while Bhagalpur recorded 42.6 degrees on April 28. This year, Purnia remained below 40 degrees in April. In April 2022, Patna recorded its highest maximum temperature of 43 degrees Celsius on April 26, while Gaya recorded 43.5 degrees on April 27, Bhagalpur recorded 42 degrees on April 25, and Purnia remained below 40 degrees, registering a maximum of 40.6 degrees Celsius. In April 2023, Patna recorded its highest maximum temperature of 44.1 degrees Celsius on April 18, Gaya recorded 43.5 degrees on the same day, Bhagalpur recorded 42.7 degrees, and Purnia recorded 41.4 degrees Celsius on April 18. These temperatures were the highest for all cities during this month.
Above-Normal Temperature Trend
It is evident that normally, Bihar experiences temperatures of 40 degrees or higher in the latter half of April. Now, it extends to April 12-14. This year, there are concerns that Bihar might reach temperatures of 40 degrees Celsius in the first week of April. Data indicates that the trend of increasing temperatures is particularly worrisome in Northern Bihar, with Eastern Bihar experiencing the most significant rise in maximum temperatures, reaching up to five degrees Celsius.
Vaishali Reaches Near 42 Degrees Maximum Temperature
In Vaishali, the temperature has crossed 40 degrees Celsius, marking the highest temperature for this month. On Sunday, Vaishali recorded a maximum temperature of 41.9 degrees Celsius. Additionally, the maximum temperature in the state is above normal. Moreover, Sheikhpura recorded a maximum temperature of 39.4 degrees, Buxar recorded 39.7 degrees, and Aurangabad recorded 39.2 degrees Celsius. IMD predicts that these districts will likely cross 40 degrees in the coming days. IMD’s forecast indicates a continuous increase in temperatures over the next five days. It is likely that the heatwave will be felt very soon.
Special Facts
Year/April – Number of Days with Temperatures of 40 Degrees or Higher
2020/April
Patna – None
Gaya – Two days
Bhagalpur – None
Purnia – None
2021/April
Patna – Six days
Gaya – Twelve days
Bhagalpur – Nine days
Purnia – None
2022/April
Patna – Thirteen days
Gaya – Twenty-three days
Bhagalpur – Seven days
Purnia – One day
2023/April
Patna – Nine days
Gaya – Nine days
Bhagalpur – Seven days
Purnia – Five days
(Note: In 2023, the maximum temperature reached its peak for this month by the 15th or 20th.)
Average Increase in Maximum April Temperatures over the Past Four Years
City – April 2020 – April 2023 – Comparative Increase
Patna – 35.1 – 38.3 – More than three degrees
Gaya – 35.9 – 37.8 – Approximately two degrees
Bhagalpur – 34.3 – 37.6 – More than two degrees
Purnia – 31.9 – 36.4 – Approximately five degrees
Expert Opinion
There is a forecast for an increase in temperatures in Bihar. In the next few days, the state is expected to cross 40 degrees Celsius. We will issue timely warnings. We are monitoring the situation closely. However, there will be continued fluctuations in the weather.
Sunil Thool, Director, IMD Patna
