Cyclone Arnab is likely to bring rain, thunderstorms and strong winds to several parts of Bihar from October 28 to November 1, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD). The weather system has formed over the Bay of Bengal and is expected to grow stronger before reaching the Andhra Pradesh coast on October 28. The IMD has warned of very heavy rain in parts of Bihar on October 29 and 30.Key HighlightsRain is expected in Bihar between October 28 and November 1.The IMD has warned of very heavy rain in some areas on October 29 and 30.Cyclone Arnab is forecast to reach the Andhra Pradesh coast on October 28.Thunderstorms, lightning and strong winds may affect parts of Bihar.Farmers and residents are advised to follow official weather updates.Where Is Cyclone Arnab Now?On Monday morning, October 26, the cyclone was over the east-central and adjoining west-central Bay of Bengal. It was moving west at about 15 km per hour, according to the IMD.The weather system had earlier been a deep depression. It then became Cyclone Arnab. The IMD expects it to become a severe cyclonic storm and grow stronger before reaching the coast.The storm is forecast to cross the Andhra Pradesh and Yanam coast between Bapatla and Visakhapatnam on the morning of October 28. Wind speeds may reach 115–125 km per hour, with gusts of up to 140 km per hour.Which Days May Bring Heavy Rain to Bihar?The IMD has warned that rain may spread across Bihar over several days. The risk of heavy rain is expected to rise towards the end of October.October 28: Thunderstorms, lightning and gusty winds are possible.October 29: Very heavy rain may occur in some places.October 30: Very heavy rain and thunderstorms are possible in some areas.October 31: Heavy rain may occur in isolated places.November 1: Thunderstorms and lightning may affect some areas.These are state-level warnings. The weather may differ from one district to another. Residents should check the latest district forecast before making travel plans.What Has the Weather Department Said?Anand Shankar, head of the IMD office in Patna, said the weather system and easterly winds could bring more moisture to the state.“Rainfall activity is expected to increase significantly in the state from Oct 27 to Nov 1, with light to moderate rain at most places and heavy to very heavy rainfall at isolated locations.”He also warned that thunderstorms, lightning and gusty winds of 40–50 km per hour could occur in isolated places.How Could the Rain Affect Farmers?The expected rain may create problems for farmers in Bihar. Many farmers are busy harvesting crops during this period. Heavy rain could damage crops that are still standing in fields. It may also affect grain that has already been cut and left out to dry.Farmers should keep harvested crops in safe, covered places where possible. They should also follow advice from local agriculture and weather officials.Heavy rain may also cause waterlogging on roads and in low-lying areas. Thunderstorms and lightning can create risks for people working outdoors.What Should People Do During the Weather Alert?People in areas likely to receive heavy rain should keep checking official IMD updates. They should avoid standing under trees during thunderstorms and stay away from open fields when lightning occurs.Drivers should take care on wet roads and avoid crossing flooded streets. Residents in low-lying areas should follow instructions from local officials if water levels rise.The storm is expected to affect coastal Andhra Pradesh most directly, while its wider weather effects may bring rain to Bihar and other states. The exact amount of rain will depend on the cyclone's path and strength.What Happens Next?Cyclone Arnab is expected to move towards the Andhra Pradesh coast on October 28. Bihar may see more rain over the following days, with October 29 and 30 carrying a risk of very heavy rainfall in isolated places.The IMD may update its forecast as the storm moves closer to land. Residents, farmers and local authorities should follow the latest official warnings.
