Severe weather alert in Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, and Madhya Pradesh: storms, heatwaves, and rain forecasted for May 17–18; advisory issued for farmers

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a severe weather warning for 33 districts in Bihar on May 17 and 18. Several areas, including Patna, Bhojpur, and Buxar, are under an orange alert due to strong winds and thunderstorms. While heat continues to grip southwestern Bihar, including the capital Patna, weather conditions are expected to change from Sunday onwards. Citizens have been advised to stay alert and follow necessary safety precautions.

Uttar Pradesh, the heatwave continues to intensify. The IMD has issued a heatwave alert for 37 districts and a yellow alert for thunderstorms in 20 districts.

Weather Alert in 33 Districts of Bihar:

According to the IMD, districts such as Patna, Bhojpur, Buxar, Rohtas, Kaimur, Aurangabad, Gaya, Nawada, Nalanda, Siwan, Gopalganj, Darbhanga, Purnia, Katihar, Kishanganj, Supaul, Saharsa, Madhepura, Madhubani, and Muzaffarpur may experience strong winds, lightning, and thunderstorms. Farmers and outdoor workers are urged to take extra precautions during this period.

Temperature Update for Major Cities in Bihar:

• Gaya: Max 41.7°C, Min 27.6°C
• Patna: Max 38.0°C, Min 26.0°C
• Bhagalpur: Max 33.7°C, Min 25.0°C
• Muzaffarpur: Max 36.2°C, Min 25.4°C

Heatwave and Thunderstorm Risk in Uttar Pradesh:

The heatwave continues to affect large parts of Uttar Pradesh. On May 17, the IMD issued a heatwave alert for 37 districts and a thunderstorm alert (yellow level) for 20 districts. High humidity during the day and warm nights are causing discomfort for residents across the state.

Changing Weather in Bihar and UP: Special Advisory for Farmers: Given the changing weather patterns, agricultural experts and the IMD have issued important advisories for farmers in Bihar and Uttar Pradesh. With thunderstorms, strong winds, rainfall, and hail likely in some areas, farmers are advised to take the following precautions:

Farming Advisory:

1. Harvest mature crops immediately and store them safely under covered areas to avoid damage.
2. Provide support to fruit-bearing plants such as papaya and banana to prevent them from falling.
3. Store harvested produce and farming tools indoors or in a covered shed.
4. Avoid spraying pesticides and fertilizers during this weather, as rain and wind can reduce their effectiveness.
5. Postpone irrigation, as hail and strong winds may damage the roots in wet soil.
6. Use protective nets or mesh to safeguard fruit crops like mango, guava, and pomegranate from hail.
7. Cover nurseries and protect plants using polyhouses or net sheds.
8. Do not burn crop residues after wheat harvest; instead, mix them into the soil using rotavators or ploughs.
9. Farmers with irrigation facilities may proceed with sowing summer crops like baby corn, sweet corn, and groundnut.

Weather Alert in 39 Cities of Madhya Pradesh: Madhya Pradesh is also experiencing a shift in weather patterns. Several districts are witnessing thunderstorms and rainfall, while temperatures continue to soar above 45°C in many areas. On Saturday, an alert was issued for storms and rainfall in 39 cities, including Bhopal, Indore, and Ujjain. The weather department has forecasted continued thunderstorms, rain, and heatwaves for the next four days, until May 20.

• Bhopal: Max 40.6°C, Min 27.0°C
• Indore: Max 38.6°C, Min 26.0°C
• Ujjain: Max 38.6°C, Min 26.0°C
• Jabalpur: Max 41.0°C, Min 28.0°C

Read More- Weather alert: Heavy rain and storm likely for next 5 days