Patna, Gaya record highest temp of year

PATNA: The ongoing summer, which was tad cooler in Bihar so far, seems to have intensified in its last lap before monsoon as Patna and Gaya recorded the highest maximum temperature of the year on Monday. Patna recorded maximum 40.2 degrees Celsius and Gaya 45 degrees C on Monday.

An official at Patna Meteorological Centre said the previous highest day temperature in Patna this year was recorded 40.0 degrees C on May 17.

The meteorologist said a heatwave warning has also been issued for several districts in southwest Bihar, including Rohtas, Kaimur, Aurangabad and Buxar, till May 27. As per meteorology, heatwave conditions prevail at a place when the normal temperature is 40 degrees C and above and the actual temperature continuous to be 4.5 notches above the respective normal for two consecutive days.

“Temperature will continue to surge till May 27 owing to clear skies. Apart from being hot, the weather is also humid owing to moist easterly winds blowing in the region and moisture incursion due to the impact of cyclone Amphan. The weather is, however, expected to be slightly cool after May 27 following showers in few northeastern states,” the official said.

As per a district-wise weather forecast bulletin issued by Patna Meteorological Centre, several areas in southwest Bihar and Gaya in south central parts of the state are likely to witness heatwave conditions till May 27. However, residents may expect some respite from the scorching heat thereafter, as rainfall with thunderstorm is expected in all the 38 districts on May 28 and 29.

Even though the sweltering heat gave tough time to residents, experts claim higher temperature is favourable for the onset of southwest monsoon, which is expected around June 13-16 in Bihar.

The Patna weather bulletin on Monday evening stated that conditions were becoming favourable for further advance of southwest monsoon into some more parts of south Bay of Bengal, Andaman Sea and adjoining central Bay of Bengal around May 27. It further stated that light to moderate rainfall occurred at one or two places over northeast and north central parts of the state during the last 24 hours.

PATNA