Heavy rain lashed Patna and several parts of Bihar on Friday morning following the formation of a cyclonic circulation over the east-central and southeast Bay of Bengal, bringing cooler temperatures and relief from recent heatwave conditions.
Thick cloud cover over Patna led to unusually dark daytime conditions, while cool winds across the region eased the intense heat experienced over the past few days.
According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD) centre in Patna, most districts in Bihar are likely to witness partly cloudy skies, thunderstorms, lightning, gusty winds and intermittent rainfall over the next 24 hours.
The weather department has issued special alerts for heavy rainfall and strong winds in Katihar and Purnea districts in the Seemanchal region.
Meteorologists have forecast scattered rainfall across several parts of the state over the next two to three days. The IMD has also predicted a decline of 2 to 4 degrees Celsius in maximum temperatures across many regions during this period.
On Thursday, maximum temperatures dropped in at least 10 districts, including Patna, where the day temperature settled at 34.7 degrees Celsius. Bhabhua in Kaimur district recorded the highest temperature in the state at 39.9 degrees Celsius.
Strong winds were reported from districts including Rohtas and Madhubani, where wind speeds touched nearly 37 kmph. Rainfall recorded during the past 24 hours included 6.4 mm in Imamganj in Gaya district, 1.4 mm in Banke Bazar, and 1 mm in Madhepura.
The IMD said no major fluctuation in temperatures is expected over the coming week. However, intermittent rainfall and persistent cloud cover are likely to continue providing relief from heatwave conditions, although humidity levels may remain high in some districts.
The Southwest Monsoon is expected to reach Bihar between June 12 and June 18. Meteorologists said the monsoon could arrive earlier than anticipated if the Bay of Bengal weather system strengthens further.
(IANS Inputs)
