Patna, July 31 — The monsoon has become active once again in Bihar, prompting the Meteorological Department to issue a 'Yellow Alert' for 25 districts.
The weather warning covers the possibility of strong thunderstorms, lightning and heavy rainfall, with wind speeds potentially reaching 40 kmph in affected areas.
The weather system is expected to have its strongest impact over North Bihar, eastern Bihar and the Seemanchal region.
Districts under the alert include West Champaran, East Champaran, Gopalganj, Siwan, Saran, Muzaffarpur, Vaishali, Sheohar, Sitamarhi, Madhubani, Darbhanga, Samastipur, Supaul, Saharsa, Madhepura, Araria, Kishanganj, Purnea, Katihar and Khagaria.
Rain and thunderstorms are also expected in Kaimur, Munger, Bhagalpur, Banka and Jamui.
Authorities have advised residents to exercise caution during thunderstorms and avoid open areas and take shelter in buildings, particularly when lightning activity is reported.
In contrast, weather conditions in south and central Bihar, including Patna, are expected to remain comparatively stable.
The capital may experience intermittent cloud cover, but the possibility of heavy rainfall is considered low.
High humidity combined with strong sunshine is likely to make conditions uncomfortable, although isolated evening drizzle could provide some relief.
Similar weather conditions are expected in Gaya, Nalanda and Nawada.
The heat and humidity remain significant in several parts of the state.
Buxar recorded the state's highest maximum temperature at 36.5 degree Celsius during the past 24 hours, followed by Bhojpur at 36.3 degree Celsius, Patna at 35.9 degree Celsius and Aurangabad at 35.8 degree Celsius.
Meteorologists say the uneven distribution of rainfall is linked to the varying intensity of monsoon winds across Bihar.
Moist winds originating from the Bay of Bengal are reaching northeastern Bihar more directly, resulting in greater cloud formation and rainfall.
However, the monsoon flow weakens considerably as it moves towards south-central Bihar.
In these southern and central districts, intense afternoon heat combined with high humidity is contributing to the localised development of clouds and occasional rainfall.
The relatively sluggish monsoon has raised concerns among both the administration and farming communities.
Bihar has so far recorded 42 per cent less rainfall than normal this season.
The state was expected to receive around 494.8 mm of rainfall, but only about 288 mm has been recorded so far, according to the figures cited.