Heatwave warning for north-west Bihar from May 11-13

Patna: With the mercury expected to witness a sharp rise in Bihar over the next few days, India Meteorological Department has issued a heatwave warning from May 11 to 13 in the north-western districts, while the rest of the state will have hot and dry days.A yellow alert for a heatwave has been issued for the north-west Bihar, including East and West Champaran, Gopalganj and Siwan districts.According to the forecast bulletin released for the next seven days, the maximum temperature is expected to rise by 5-8 degrees Celsius and minimum by 3-5 degrees Celsius in the next 48 hours. On Thursday, Gaya recorded the highest maximum temperature of 40.2 degrees Celsius, Banka the lowest minimum temperature of 22.7 degrees Celsius. Capital Patna recorded a maximum temperature of 38.3 degrees Celsius.Districts like Buxar, Bhojpur, Rohtas, Bhabhua, Aurangabad, Arwal, Patna, Gaya and Nalanda are expected to bear further brunt of the heat, with maximum temperature anticipated to be in the range of 40-44 degrees Celsius by May 12.The forecast indicates that the hot and dry weather in north-west, north-central and south-east Bihar, besides Saran district, is expected to persist for the next few days, with a gradual increase in maximum temperature until May 12. However, there is a possibility of some relief towards May 14, with a chance of rain in some parts of north-eastern Bihar.Patna Meteorological Centre on Wednesday advised the residents to take necessary precautions and avoid venturing out in direct sunlight during the hottest part of the day between noon and 3pm.