Patna, July 8 (IANS) The southwest monsoon has become active across Bihar, prompting the Meteorological Centre in Patna to issue a yellow alert for 24 districts.

The department has warned of heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, lightning, and strong winds with speeds of 40-50 km/h in several parts of the state.

According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), adverse weather conditions are likely in Siwan, Saran, Muzaffarpur, Vaishali, Madhubani, Darbhanga, Samastipur, Sitamarhi, Sheohar, Madhepura, Supaul, Saharsa, Araria, Purnea, Katihar, Kishanganj, Khagaria, Bhagalpur, Banka, Munger, Jamui, West Champaran, East Champaran, and Gopalganj districts.

Residents in these districts have been advised to remain alert due to the possibility of heavy rainfall, lightning strikes, and gusty winds.

The weather department has issued a green alert (signifying no significant weather-related threats) for districts in southern and south-western Bihar, indicating that no severe weather is expected at present.

While isolated cloud cover and light showers may occur, heavy rainfall is not anticipated.

The districts under the green alert are Patna, Jehanabad, Gaya, Nawada, Nalanda, Sheikhpura, Bhojpur, Buxar, Rohtas, Kaimur, Aurangabad, Arwal, Lakhisarai and Begusarai.

Normal day-to-day activities are expected to continue in these areas without major disruption.

The state capital experienced drizzle in the early morning hours, followed by sunny conditions later in the day.

According to the forecast, Patna’s maximum temperature is expected to remain between 33 and 35 degrees Celsius over the next few days.

Intermittent light rainfall and varying cloud cover are likely to continue, bringing a slight drop in temperature and providing relief from the recent spell of oppressive heat and humidity.

The Meteorological Department has advised residents in the yellow alert districts to avoid taking shelter under trees during thunderstorms.

They asked people to stay indoors during lightning activity whenever possible and exercise caution while travelling during periods of heavy rain and strong winds.

–IANS

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