Patna, May 1 (IANS) For the past several days, intense heatwave conditions have made life extremely difficult across Bihar, with temperatures soaring above 40 degree Celsius in multiple districts and hot winds relentlessly sweeping through the region. However, a sudden change in weather has brought much-needed relief, as cooler conditions now prevail in many parts of the state.

According to the Meteorological Centre, this shift is driven by the onset of pre-monsoon activity.

Moisture-laden winds from the Bay of Bengal, combined with the impact of a Western Disturbance, have created atmospheric instability over Bihar.

As a result, several districts are witnessing light rainfall, thunderstorms, lightning, and gusty winds. This weather pattern is expected to continue until May 3.

Despite the overall drop in temperature, Kaimur district remained the hottest region, recording a maximum temperature of 33.3 degree Celsius.

Temperatures in Gaya and Rajgir were recorded at 33.2 degree Celsius and 33.0 degree Celsius, respectively.

While these figures indicate a decline from earlier highs, the lingering heat impact is still being felt.

In the state capital, Patna, skies are expected to remain overcast, with possibilities of light rainfall and strong winds.

The Meteorological Department has issued a Yellow Alert for thunderstorms and rain across 33 districts, warning of wind speeds reaching up to 40 kmph.

The sudden weather change, however, has come at a high cost. Severe storms, heavy rainfall, and hailstorms that struck Bihar from Wednesday night through Thursday caused widespread destruction and claimed 13 lives across multiple districts, including Muzaffarpur, Madhubani, East Champaran, West Champaran, Sitamarhi, Samastipur, Darbhanga, Hajipur, Chhapra, and Begusarai. More than a dozen people were reported injured.

Strong winds uprooted trees, electricity poles, and power lines across many areas, leading to widespread power outages that affected both urban and rural regions throughout the night.

Fallen trees blocked key roads, disrupting vehicular movement for hours, while railway operations were also impacted in several sections.

Agriculture suffered significant losses, particularly mango and litchi crops, which were damaged due to hailstorms and strong winds.

Several tragic incidents were reported from across the state since Wednesday evening.

In Begusarai, a youth died after being buried under debris when a wall of a newly-constructed building collapsed.

In Hajipur, a six-year-old child lost their life after being struck by a falling tree.

In Marhaura, an elderly woman died due to a similar incident.

In Aurangabad, 50-year-old Akshay Ram was killed by lightning while participating in a wedding procession.

In Madhubani, six people were injured in lightning strikes, while two separate fatalities were reported due to lightning and falling trees.

In West Champaran, two people died—one due to a falling tree and another after an e-rickshaw overturned.

In Darbhanga (2), Muzaffarpur (2), and Samastipur (1), deaths occurred due to collapsing trees during the storm.

Additionally, hailstorms and lightning caused severe damage in several districts, including Sitamarhi, where incidents of houses catching fire due to lightning strikes were also reported.

–IANS

ajk/rad