Met: Expect fairly widespread rain in Bihar till September 18

PATNA: Patna and many other parts of the state received light to moderate rainfall on Tuesday and India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted fairly widespread rainfall in the state till September 18. Though the prevailing rainy spell is likely to reduce its intensity over the next couple of days, a fresh spell of showers is likely to lash the state Friday onwards.
An official at Patna Meteorological Centre said light to moderate rainfall occurred at one or two places in north Bihar, few places in south-west, south-central and many places in south-east Bihar in the last 24 hours.The rainfall in Patna between 8.30am and 5.30pm on Tuesday was measured at 6mm.
Fresh spell of rainfall is likely to occur around the weekend. The IMD stated in its all-India weather bulletin that a cyclonic circulation is likely to develop over north Bay of Bengal on September 17. It is likely to move west-northwestwards towards Odisha- West Bengal coast during subsequent 48 hours and cause fresh spell of enhance rainfall activity in eastern parts of India.
“The cyclonic circulation is likely to weaken into a low-pressure area as it will move towards Odisha and West Bengal. The combined impact of the existing low-pressure area over north Chhattisgarh and the upcoming cyclonic circulation is likely to lead to rainfall across Bihar from Friday onwards. The intensity of rainfall is likely to be comparatively higher in northern parts of the state,” said Sanjay Kumar, a meteorologist at Patna Meteorological Centre.
Weathermen have attributed the ongoing rainy spell to peripheral impact of the low-pressure areas over north Chhattisgarh and adjoining north Odisha, which was leading to moist winds in the region.
The official at Patna Meteorological Centre said few districts in south-west Bihar, including Buxar, Rohtas and Arwal may witness heavy rainfall as well. “One or two places in south-western and central parts of the state are also likely to witness thunderstorm and lightning,” the official said.
Meanwhile, Bihar has received 7% surplus rainfall in the monsoon season till date. As per data available on the website of IMD, the state has received 975.7mm rainfall from June 1 till September 14. The normal rainfall during the same period is 911.2mm.