The weather in Patna underwent a sudden change on Wednesday evening, offering a welcome respite to residents fatigued by the day’s scorching heat. Strong winds and rain transformed the atmosphere into a cool and pleasant one, as confirmed by the India Meteorological Department (IMD). Alerts have been issued for various districts in Bihar, with forecasts predicting strong winds, rainfall, and lightning strikes in the coming hours in multiple regions including Arwal, Bhojpur, Muzaffarpur, and others. Wind speeds are anticipated to range between 60 and 70 km/h.
In Saran district, a similar weather shift occurred around 6 p.m., with gusty winds and rainfall providing relief from the oppressive heat. However, the abrupt change also led to disruptions, with conditions resembling nighttime for nearly 20 minutes due to dark clouds. The strong winds caused panic among residents, leading to deserted roads and people seeking refuge in shops and homes to escape the storm. Markets quieted down as small objects were blown away by the winds, creating a sense of unease.
In Bhabhua, the combination of strong winds, rain, and hailstorms brought relief from the heat but raised concerns about potential damage to crops, particularly green vegetables. Instances of uprooted trees were reported due to the severe weather conditions, although fortunately, there have been no casualties or major injuries reported. The storm in Saran has notably impacted ongoing wedding festivities, with heavy rain and strong winds disrupting ‘Tilak’ and ‘Baraat’ ceremonies, forcing processions to halt midway and causing inconvenience to participants. Reports of damage to pandals and decorations have marred the celebratory mood.
The sudden weather shift, while offering relief from the oppressive heat, has left residents apprehensive. Authorities have advised caution, urging people to avoid open areas during lightning activity and seek shelter in safe locations when strong winds prevail.
