PATNA: The spell of scorching heat continues with the rising mercury along with hot westerly winds, especially in south Bihar.
Patna Meteorological Centre on Saturday issued warning for ‘loo’ (hot and gusty westerly winds in local parlance) in Buxar, Kaimur, Bhojpur, Rohtas, Aurangabad, Gaya, Nalanda, Nawada, Sheikhpur, Jamui, Banka and Bhagalpur districts. It declared heatwave in West Champaran, East Champaran, Sheikhpura and Banka districts.
The maximum temperature was above 40 degrees C in 17 out of total 38 districts in the state on Saturday. The highest maximum temperature was recorded at Banka at 43.1 degrees C. The maximum temperature at Patna was recorded at 41.6 degrees C, which was six notches higher than the corresponding normal.
According to IMD, heatwave can lead to moderate health concern for vulnerable people, including infants, elderly and those with chronic diseases. It can also lead to increased likelihood of heat illness symptoms in people who are either exposed to sun for a prolonged period or doing heavy work.
Weathermen have, however, also predicted Nor’wester thundershowers with lightning at isolated places in a few districts in northeastern parts of the state on April 19 and 20. The districts expected to witness thundershowers include West Champaran, East Champaran, Sheohar, Sitamarhi, Madhubani, Supaul, Araria, Kishanganj and Purnia.
Though the Met office did not predict heatwave conditions in the state over the next four days, Patna district magistrate Chandrashekhar Singh issued a slew of directives for different departments on Saturday, acknowledging the scorching heat conditions.
