Patna: Owing to western disturbances and anti-cyclonic winds in the Bay of Bengal, whose confluence occurs over Bihar, almost all districts of the state are experiencing gusty winds, thunderstorms and heavy cloud cover. This pre-monsoon weather pattern is an annual phenomenon, and the India Meteorological Department (IMD), Patna, has issued an alert regarding the same.Sanjay Kumar, a meteorologist at IMD Patna, said, “Such activity is common during the pre-monsoon season, which lasts from March to May.” He added that the weather will gradually return to normal after Saturday and temperatures will see a gradual rise back to normal levels.Kumar also cautioned farmers that such weather activity could harm wheat and corn crops. He advised that to prevent extensive damage, “Farmers can stop or reduce irrigation during this time and can consider moving crops to shaded areas.”Kumar said although this change has affected almost all districts in Bihar apart from a few in central Bihar, the districts most affected include East and West Champaran, Sitamarhi, Madhubani, Gaya and Nalanda, among others.The IMD, in its Friday bulletin, also issued an orange warning for Saturday for “thunderstorm/lightning and gusty wind (50-60kmph), which is likely at one or two places over the districts of Katihar, Kishanganj and Araria.” It added that a yellow warning for “thunderstorm/lightning and gusty wind (40-50kmph) is likely at one or two places over most districts of the state.”
