Met issues red alert for heavy rain in north Bihar

PATNA: Light to moderate rainfall occurred at most places and heavy to very heavy rainfall at some places in northwest and south-central parts of the state on Friday even as India Metrological Department (IMD) issued forecast for isolated heavy rainfall in the state on Saturday as well.
The IMD also issued a red alert for moderate to severe thunderstorm with lightning and very heavy rainfall in several districts in north Bihar on Saturday and Sunday.Red warning issued by IMD stipulates the authorities to take action in light of forecast issued for extreme weather conditions.
According to the evening bulletin issued by Patna Meteorological Centre, districts for which red warning has been issued for Saturday are West Champaran, East Champaran, Gopalganj, Siwan, Saran, Sitamarhi, Madhubani, Muzaffarpur, Darbhanga and Supaul. The expected thunderstorm and heavy rainfall conditions have been attributed to monsoon trough line running close to the foothills of the Himalayas. The trough line is an elongated low-pressure area which stretches from west to east and monsoon rainfall normally hinges along it.
The daily weather bulletin issued by Patna Meteorological Centre on Friday evening stated that southwest monsoon had been active in the state during the past 24 hours. The places which received significant rainfall in the state included Triveni in West Champaran (140mm), Bikram (110mm), Kesariya and Bhore (70mm each), Hathua, Bagaha, Katoria and Gaunaha (60mm each). Anand Shankar, meteorologist at Patna Metrological Centre, said rainfall was witnessed at majority places in Bihar in the last 24 hours.
“Monsoon trough line is passing along the terai region in Bihar, due to which few districts in north Bihar adjacent to Nepal are likely to witness heavy to very heavy rainfall in the next 48 hours. Majority districts in north Bihar and some districts in south Bihar are likely to witness heavy rainfall during the same time,” he said.