Weatherman forecasts widespread rain in state

PATNA: Fairly widespread rain is expected over the next couple of days though weathermen have forecast very heavy rainfall at isolated places in the state.
"An upper air cyclonic circulation over some parts of Bihar is likely to bring rain and thunderstorm over the next few days. The northern and western parts of Bihar will receive more rain and the mercury column may also dip accordingly," said Soumendu Sengupta, the new director of Patna meteorological centre on Wednesday.
Rain brought the much-needed relief in several parts of the state on Wednesday with West Champaran receiving a maximum of 61.4mm rainfall during the day. While heavy rain lashed one or two places in northern Bihar, light to moderate showers occurred at most places over north-central and north-west and north-eastern Bihar, including East Champaran, Sheohar, Sitamarhi, Supaul, Araria, Madhubani and Muzaffarpur.
After experiencing the sultry weather conditions over the last few days, Patnaites welcomed intermittent drizzles during the day. High-speed winds also kept the weather pleasant despite sunshine in between. About 0.2mm rain was recorded in Patna between 8.30am and 5.30pm on Wednesday.
The weathermen have forecast a generally cloudy sky with light rain or drizzle till Friday while Saturday is likely to experience a generally cloudy sky with one or two spells of rain or thundershower. The temperature is also expected to remain a few notches below normal.
The latest spell of rain has brought down the overall rainfall deficit in Bihar to 10%, which is the normal category range. Bihar, which has received overall deficit rainfall over the last few years, has received 876.1mm rainfall between June 1 and September 21 as against a normal of 973.3mm.
As per the stats furnished by the local Met office, only 14 districts in the state remain in the deficit rainfall category while 21 districts have received normal rainfall with Arwal, Banka and Gaya having excess rain.
When asked if the 10% deficit would also be covered in the coming weeks, Sengupta said, "The monsoon has already started withdrawing and the withdrawal line is gradually coming to Bihar. While the normal timing for withdrawal of monsoon in Bihar is around October 8-10, we will get a clear picture only by next week."