In a striking indication of changing climate patterns, Patna witnessed its highest single-day rainfall for the month of April in the last 79 years. On April 11, 2025, the city recorded 42.6 mm of rain, breaking the previous record of 34 mm set on April 16, 1983. According to the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD), rainfall data in Patna has been recorded since 1946, making this year’s event a significant milestone in weather history.
This sudden and intense downpour has not only altered the familiar summer rhythm of the region but has also sparked concerns about the wider implications of climate change on agriculture, public health, and daily life in Bihar.
Unseasonal Rain Disrupts Summer in Patna
Typically, April in Bihar signals the onset of intense summer heat. However, this year, continuous thunderstorms, lightning, and light to moderate showers have changed the weather landscape of the region. As a result, Patna’s maximum temperature has remained below the scorching 40-degree Celsius mark throughout April.
The hottest day recorded in the capital this month was on April 6, 2025, when the temperature peaked at 39.2°C. In comparison, Patna’s hottest April day on record remains April 29, 1980, when the mercury soared to a blistering 44.6°C.
Joint Weather Systems Behind the Unusual Rains
Experts attribute this unprecedented weather to the confluence of multiple meteorological factors. According to Ashish Kumar, Director of the Meteorological Centre in Patna, a combination of western disturbances, moisture inflow from the Bay of Bengal, and the passage of a trough line are causing the widespread rains and thunderstorms across Bihar.
Interestingly, while several parts of India are currently battling extreme heatwaves, Bihar’s weather stands in stark contrast due to these localized climatic influences.
Impact on Rabi Crops Raises Alarm
While pre-monsoon showers in January and February typically benefit Rabi crops like wheat, lentils, and mustard, the heavy rainfall in April is proving detrimental. Arvind Singh, Assistant Director at the Plant Protection Division of Patna’s Bio-Control Laboratory, stated that harvested Rabi crops lying in fields have been significantly damaged by the recent rain. However, crops still standing in fields have suffered comparatively less damage.
This raises serious concerns for farmers who were preparing for harvest and storage during this critical time of the agricultural calendar.
Historical April Rainfall Records in Patna
The recent rainfall has etched April 11, 2025, into the city’s meteorological history books. Here’s a look at Patna’s heaviest April rainfall events since 1946:
A Wake-Up Call on Climate Change
This record-breaking rainfall event is more than just a statistical anomaly. It’s a clear signal of the accelerating impact of climate change on regional weather systems. As rainfall becomes more erratic and intense, it threatens to upend long-standing agricultural practices and urban planning norms.
Meteorologists, environmentalists, and policymakers are increasingly urging the need for adaptive strategies, from modernized irrigation systems to updated crop calendars and resilient infrastructure planning.
As Patna breaks a decades-old rainfall record, the city — and indeed the state of Bihar — finds itself at the crossroads of a rapidly changing climate. While nature offers no quick fixes, timely awareness, scientific intervention, and sustainable practices could help mitigate the long-term effects of these erratic weather patterns. For now, the message from the skies is clear: change is no longer coming — it’s already here.
