Shiekhpura sizzles at 44.4C, no relief in sight

PATNA: Barring a few districts, most parts of Bihar is reeling under intense heatwave, where ‘hot days’ are prevailing as the maximum temperature has shot above 40 degrees Celsius. ‘Severe heatwave’ condition was declared in Sheikhpura, which was the hottest place in the state on Saturday with 44.4 degree C — almost 6.7 notches above the season’s normal.
Four districts — Bhagalpur, Khagaria, Banka and Nawada — were under the grip of heatwave condition where the mercury level was recorded at 40.1 degrees C, 41.6 degree C, 42 degrees C and 42.9 degrees C, respectively.
A prolonged spell of scorching heat is expected to maintain its grip over southern and north-west parts of Bihar for the next five days, according to the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD). In its daily bulletin, the weather department has issued ‘orange alert’ for heatwave at few places in the districts of Aurangabad, Darbhanga, Motihari, Sheikhpura, Jamui, Banka, Gopalganj, Khagaria and southern parts of the state till May 1.
The meteorologists said that the minimum temperature will slightly fall by 1-3 degree C during the next 48 hours in southern parts of the state that is having mercury in the range of 24-26 degree C to 28-30 degree C.
“Similarly, the minimum temperature in northern parts will also come down from 26-28 degree C to 22-24 degree C by May 1. However, in the next 48 hours, there will be no respite in day’s temperature, which is likely to increase by 2-4 degree C and fall in the range of 42-44 degree C across the state. Forecast of gusty winds with a speed of 30-40 kmph has also been made, which is likely to blow in southern parts of the state during the next 24 hours,” the meteorologists said.
In Patna, the maximum temperature remained above 40 degrees for the fifth consecutive day, with 41.4 degree C recorded on Saturday. It was 40.7 degree C on Tuesday and Wednesday, 41 on Thursday and 42.2 on Friday. The minimum temperature has also neared closer to 30 degrees. It was 29.6 degree C on Saturday, giving no relief even in the night.
SK Patel, a meteorologist at local MeT office said that the maximum temperature is likely to fall after May 4, when the easterly wind will start blowing. “At present, dry westerly wind are prevailing in the state which has pushed up the temperature in the region. Though the easterly wind is likely to restrict rise of mercury, the high level of moisture in the air will cause sultry conditions. Even in the nights, people will feel discomfort.