Monsoon makes earliest entry into Bihar in 13 years

PATNA: The southwest monsoon entered Bihar from northeastern part of the state on Saturday a day earlier than its scheduled onset, bringing widespread showers in several districts. The earliest onset of monsoon in Bihar was recorded in 2008 when it had entered the state on June 8.
Vivek Sinha, director of Patna Meteorological Centre, said June 13 was marked as the monsoon arrival date in the state.“The monsoon normally enters Patna on June 16,” he added.
As per the seasonal forecast of Indian Meteorological Department (IMD), Bihar is likely to record above normal rainfall in June. Northeastern districts of the state like Purnia, Katihar, Kishanganj, Araria, Saharsa, Supaul and Madhepura received the first bout of southwest monsoon showers on Saturday.
With favourable conditions for monsoon building under the persistent presence of the cyclonic circulation of low pressure over the northwest Bay of Bengal, the entire state would be covered in the next 24 hours.
Sanjay Kumar, a weather scientist at Patna Meteorological Centre, said the early arrival of monsoon would not affect expected amount of rainfall from June to September. “In the first phase of monsoon, the state will receive above normal rainfall, but the average monsoon forecast for long period indicates that eastern region, including Bihar, will receive below normal rainfall. However, other parts of the country may receive above normal rainfall,” he said.
Kumar added, “This forecast will be revised again in August during which the past performance of June and July will be analysed.”
Uday Shanker Sinha, another official at Patna Meteorological Centre, said the northern limit of monsoon (NLM) passes through Diu, Surat, Bhubaneswar, Dhanbad, and Dharbhanga. “For the next 48 hours, Bihar will be under the spell of southwest monsoon, during which the day temperature may fall by 1-2°C. Most places will witness rainfall with thunderstorm,” he said.
The Patna Meteorological Centre, in its daily bulletin issued on Saturday, issued yellow alert for the entire state, including Patna, for the next four days. “On Sunday and Monday, rainfall with thunderstorm would occur at most places. On June 15 and 16, many places in Bihar would receive rainfall with thunderstorm. During this period, heavy rainfall and thunderstorm with lightning is likely at one or two places,” it said.
According to Skymet Weather forecast, heavy to very heavy rain, possibly lasting for one week, are expected over Bihar till June 19 due to low pressure area in eastern parts. “The wet spell may extend further for few more days. Rain will be accompanied with high-velocity winds in excess of 50kmph, thunderstorms and lightning,” it said.