Patna: The state is set to experience fluctuating temperatures over the coming days. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD) bulletin released on Thursday, maximum temperatures are likely to drop by two to three degrees Celsius across most parts of Bihar within the next 24 hours, offering some respite from the recent heat.
However, this cooling period will be short-lived. Following the brief drop, maximum temperatures are forecast to rise again by three to four degrees Celsius during the subsequent 48 hours. In contrast, minimum temperatures are expected to gradually increase by three to four degrees Celsius over the same period.
The Meteorological Centre in Patna has issued an orange alert for gusty winds reaching speeds of 50 to 60 km per hour, accompanied by thunderstorms and lightning, in the southeast, north-central Bihar, Katihar, Kishanganj, Purnia, Araria, Madhepura, Saharsa, and Supaul districts on May 2. Additionally, a yellow alert for thunderstorms has been issued for the north-central, northeast, southwest, south-central, and southeast regions on May 1.
According to meteorologists, rainfall and thunderstorm activity will persist until May 4 in the southwest, south-central, and southeast parts of Bihar. Duty officer Soni Kumari at the Patna MeT office stated, “After this active spell, the weather is expected to turn calmer on May 5, with no major weather warnings afterward.”
In the last 24 hours, significant rainfall was recorded in several areas. Kasba received 87.4 mm, Pratapganj 72.6 mm, Purnia 60.2 mm, Lakhnaur 58.0 mm, Kumarkhand 57.2 mm, Ahirwalia 56.0 mm, Itarahi 54.4 mm, and Madhepura 53.5 mm. Many other locations recorded rainfall between 45 mm and 52 mm. This widespread rainfall has provided much-needed temporary relief from the prevailing heat in the state.
The lowest minimum temperature was recorded at 17.8 degrees Celsius on Thursday in Sukhet (Madhubani). A notable drop of four to six degrees Celsius in minimum temperatures was observed at many places during the last 24 hours. Gusty winds reached a maximum speed of 89 km per hour in Patna district. The minimum temperature in the state capital was 19.7 degrees Celsius, at least 4.1 degrees lower than the normal departure. The day temperature also came down to 29.7 degrees Celsius, approximately 7.3 notches below the normal range.
