A heatwave alert has been issued for Bihar as temperatures soar, with the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) predicting scorching conditions over the next two weeks.
According to IMD forecasts, Bihar will experience clear skies and intense sunlight over the next four days, leading to a surge in hot winds and increased temperatures. As a result, a rise of two to four degrees Celsius above the maximum temperature is expected. On Monday, temperatures in nine districts or locations in the state soared above 40 degrees Celsius. If temperatures continue to rise in these areas, heatwave conditions may prevail.
The IMD’s official data indicates that Bihar recorded its highest maximum temperature of 41.8 degrees Celsius on Monday. Khagaria recorded a maximum temperature of 40.9 degrees Celsius, while Rohtas, Nawada, and Banka recorded 40.7 degrees Celsius. Motihari and Gaya recorded 40 degrees Celsius, and Bhojpur recorded 40.2 degrees Celsius. These areas also experienced humidity levels below 40%. Aurangabad and Sheikhpura recorded humidity levels below 20%. The decrease in humidity levels across the state is expected to exacerbate the heat.
The change in weather patterns is attributed to a cyclonic circulation situated about 0.9 kilometers above sea level in eastern Bihar and surrounding areas. The impact of a fresh western disturbance, expected to be visible in northern and eastern Bihar from April 18, is also cited. The active trough extending from western Uttar Pradesh to southern Bihar and northern Jharkhand to the Bay of Bengal has weakened.
All departments geared up to tackle severe heat and heatstroke: Chief Secretary
In response to the rising temperatures and the looming heatwave, Chief Secretary Brajesh Mehrotra conducted a review of the situation on Monday. He directed all departments to remain prepared to deal with severe heat and heatstroke, urging them to make all necessary preparations. The Chief Secretary chaired an emergency management group meeting on dealing with severe heat, attended by officials from the Departments of Water Resources, Energy, Agriculture, Minor Water Resources, Health, Urban Development and Housing, Public Health Engineering, Animal and Fisheries Resources, along with Principal Secretaries and Additional Chief Secretaries.
Heatwave to persist over the next 15 days
According to the India Meteorological Department, temperatures are expected to rise by 30-35 degrees Celsius above normal over the next 15 days. Unlike last year, there will not be a continuous increase in temperatures for more days. The Department of Animal and Fisheries Resources provided information on animal drinking water and adequate fodder in response to this. Other departments also briefed on their preparedness to deal with severe heat and heatstroke. In view of the impending water crisis, plans for emergency measures were also discussed. Taking note of this, the Chief Secretary instructed all departments to remain on high alert mode.
