Enhanced rainfall expected in Bihar from July 28

PATNA: The ongoing dry spell in Bihar is likely to end as India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued forecast for enhanced rainfall activity in the state for few days from July 28.
In a special bulletin issued on Tuesday, the IMD stated that Bihar is very likely to witness widespread rains with isolated heavy falls and thunderstorm or lightning from July 28 to 30.
Patna meteorological centre has also issued forecast for heavy rainfall likely at many places across north Bihar on July 28 and 29 and extremely heavy rainfall likely all over the state on July 30.
The Met office has also issue yellow-coloured warning for heavy rainfall at isolated places in north Bihar on July 28 and 29 and south-west and south-central parts of the state as well on July 30.
Private weather agency Skymet has also predicted that rain activities will intensify over Bihar and Uttar Pradesh on July 28 and may continue with good intensity for at least next three to four days.
The expected enhanced rainfall activity has been mainly attributed to favourable position of monsoon trough line along with a low pressure area in the region. The IMD stated that the monsoon trough was running south of its normal position on Tuesday but it is very likely to shift gradually northwards during next three days leading to increase in rainfall activity over north India from July 27 onwards. The monsoon rainfall normally hinges north of the trough line.
If the rains occur as expected, then it can lead to much needed recovery in monsoon rainfall in the state. Monsoon rainfall has remained truant in Bihar so far this year. The state has received 246.4mm of rainfall from June 1 to July 26 against the normal rainfall of 451.7mm during the same period, making it 45% below expected normal.
10 killed by lightning
At least 10 people were killed in lightning strikes in six districts in the state on Monday, an official at the control room of the disaster management department in Patna said on Tuesday evening. The districts from where lightning deaths have been reported included Bhojpur (3), Kaimur (3), Patna (1), Aurangabad (1), Rohtas (1) and Jehanabad (1).
Residents should continue to remain cautious as Patna meteorological centre on Tuesday issued yellow- coloured warning for thunderstorm with lightning in all districts of north Bihar on Wednesday and Thursday as well.
Officials claimed that at least 171 people have died due to lightning strike in the state so far in the current year.