Patna: Fresh spells of rain lashed Patna and several parts of Bihar on Monday, bringing relief from the hot and humid conditions prevailing over the past few days. Heavy showers were reported from Chhapra, Rajgir, Bettiah, Purnia, Supaul and Katihar, while several other districts also received rainfall.Patna recorded 9.7mm of rain till 5.30pm on Monday. The city logged a minimum temperature of 28.4°C and a maximum of 33.4°C.According to the Meteorological Centre, Patna, rainfall activity is likely to remain active across the state over the next few days. A weather system over the northwest Bay of Bengal and adjoining coastal areas is expected to move towards the Gangetic plains through West Bengal, Jharkhand and Bihar. The monsoon trough is also passing through the region, supporting widespread rainfall activity.The forecast indicates rain at many places in south-western and south-eastern Bihar on Tuesday, while several other regions are also likely to receive showers. Patna and adjoining districts may witness rainfall at many places on Aug 18, followed by rain at a few places until Aug 23.The weather department has warned of thunderstorms, lightning and gusty winds across different parts of the state during the week. Winds of 30-40kmph are likely in several districts, while heavy rain has been forecast in Buxar, Jehanabad, Nawada, Rohtas, Saran, Siwan, Vaishali, East Champaran and Gopalganj over the next 48 hours. Very heavy rainfall is also likely in Aurangabad, Kaimur and Gaya on Aug 18.An orange alert has been issued for 19 districts and a yellow alert for the remaining 19 districts. Wind speeds may reach up to 50kmph in vulnerable areas till Aug 19.During the past 24 hours, Darauli recorded the highest rainfall at 90.8mm, followed by Raghunathpur (88.2mm) and Ziradei (86.4mm). Goriakothi received 63.2mm, Gopalganj 55.2mm, Siwan Sadar 53.4mm and Mairwa 52.6mm.The state’s maximum temperature during the period ranged between 33.1°C and 37.3°C, with Kaimur recording the highest temperature of 37.3°C. The lowest minimum temperature, 25.4°C, was recorded at Valmiki Nagar in West Champaran.Duty officer Deepak Kumar of the Patna Met office said, “There will be no significant change in maximum temperatures across most parts of Bihar during the next 24 hours. Thereafter, temperatures are likely to fall by 1-2 degrees. Minimum temperatures are expected to remain largely unchanged across the state over the next five days.”
