Patna: A cyclonic system over the Bay of Bengal is likely to bring rain, thunderstorms and gusty winds to Bihar from Oct 27 with the India Meteorological Department, Patna (IMD) warning of very heavy rainfall in four districts on Oct 30. The forecast comes as kharif harvesting is underway, raising concerns over damage to standing crops and harvested produce.“Under the influence of the weather system and the active flow of easterly winds over Bihar, moisture levels in the atmosphere are likely to increase. Rainfall activity is expected to increase significantly in the state from Oct 27 to Nov 1, with light to moderate rain at most places and heavy to very heavy rainfall at isolated locations. Thunderstorms, lightning and gusty winds reaching 40-50 kmph are also likely at isolated places,” said Anand Shankar, head of IMD, Patna.According to the IMD’s announcement on Saturday, the system is likely to intensify into a cyclonic storm over the west-central Bay of Bengal by Oct 26. Its influence, coupled with easterly winds, is expected to increase moisture over Bihar.A yellow warning has been issued for thunderstorms, lightning and gusty winds of 30-40 kmph in south-western and south-central Bihar on Oct 27. On Oct 28, winds reaching 40-50 kmph are likely in the south-western, south-central and south-eastern parts of the state.The weather is expected to worsen from Oct 29, with an orange alert for heavy rainfall in Aurangabad, Bhabua, Gaya and Rohtas.On Oct 30, heavy rainfall is likely in Aurangabad, Bhabua, Darbhanga, East Champaran, Rohtas and Sitamarhi, while very heavy rainfall is very likely in Buxar, Gopalganj, Siwan and West Champaran. Thunderstorms and gusty winds of 40-50 kmph are likely in north-western, north-central and south-western parts of the state.Persistent rain could cause waterlogging, inundate roads and disrupt transport. Strong winds and lightning may damage standing crops, fruit-bearing trees and temporary structures.Farmers have been advised to harvest mature crops, shift harvested produce to safe storage, cover produce kept in the open with tarpaulins and ensure proper drainage. They have also been advised to postpone harvesting during adverse weather where possible.
