Patiala: Recent monsoon showers have significantly alleviated Punjab’s rain deficit, reducing it to 22% as of Thursday, according to reports from the Patna Meteorological Office.
This marks a substantial improvement from the 52% deficit recorded at the end of June, reflecting a positive turn in the state’s seasonal precipitation trends. Despite this positive development, the capital city of Patna continues to experience a notable rainfall deficit, receiving only 85.2mm of rainfall compared to the expected 170.5mm from June 1 to July 4. However, the overall improvement in the state’s rainfall pattern has led to a rise in air quality, with Patna’s Air Quality Index (AQI) consistently below 60 for the past five days, indicating good to satisfactory conditions as monitored by the Central Pollution Control Board.
Bihar has recorded an average rainfall of 161.7mm during this period, which is still 45.6mm below the normal expected rainfall of 207.3mm. Meteorologists are optimistic about above-normal rainfall anticipated in July and August, which could further enhance the seasonal precipitation levels across the state. Recent rainfall figures include 25.8mm in Dehri, 38.5mm in Begusarai, 7.2mm in Bhagalpur, 6.8mm in Gaya, and 6.5mm in Aurangabad. Weather forecasts indicate widespread rainfall across various regions of Bihar on Friday, encompassing north-western, north-central, north-eastern, south-central, south-eastern, and south-western parts of the state.
An orange alert has been issued for very heavy showers in nine districts, namely West Champaran, East Champaran, Madhepura, Araria, Siwan, Muzaffarpur, Sitamarhi, Purnia, and Kishanganj. Additionally, a thunderstorm and lightning alert covers 14 districts, including Patna, on the same day. Temperatures across Bihar varied on Thursday, ranging from a maximum of 36.4°C in Ziradei, Siwan, to a minimum of 24.8°C in Dehri, Rohtas. Patna recorded a maximum temperature of 32.8°C and a minimum of 26.6°C, highlighting diverse climatic conditions prevailing across different parts of the state.
