Patna: The southwest monsoon has advanced across most parts of Bihar and is expected to cover the remaining pockets of the state within the next two to three days, bringing relief from prevailing heatwave conditions and boosting rainfall activity, meteorologists said on Tuesday.According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), Patna recorded a real-feel temperature of 49°C on Tuesday despite intermittent cloud cover, underlining the discomfort caused by hot winds and humidity ahead of widespread monsoon rains.Kaimur, Buxar, Gaya and Sheikhpura continued to experience heatwave conditions, with maximum temperatures crossing 40°C. The IMD has issued a yellow warning for Wednesday, forecasting thunderstorms, lightning and gusty winds of 40-50 kmph in parts of north-west, north-central and north-east Bihar. Heatwave conditions may also persist at isolated places in south-west and south-central Bihar.From Thursday onwards, weather activity is expected to intensify. The IMD has issued yellow and orange alerts for thunderstorms, lightning, gusty winds and heavy rainfall across large parts of the state through the end of the week.IMD Patna meteorologist Kumar Gaurav said the monsoon had already covered most districts.“Only a few parts of West Champaran, Gopalganj, Siwan and Saran remain outside the monsoon zone. The monsoon has also covered nearly half of Bhojpur, Arwal and Aurangabad districts,” he said, adding that the southwest monsoon is yet to reach Buxar, Kaimur and Rohtas.Gaurav said only limited pockets in the north-western and south-western regions remain uncovered and are likely to receive monsoon conditions within two to three days.While north-eastern Bihar continues to receive substantial rainfall, most other districts are witnessing light to moderate showers.“Rainfall distribution across the state is expected to improve significantly over the next seven days,” Gaurav said.The IMD has forecast rainfall at isolated to several places across all districts from Wednesday, signalling the onset of a more active monsoon phase.
