The month of April has remained fairly dry for East India. All the three states including West Bengal, Jharkhand and Bihar observed a rain deficit between 80 and 90 percent. Not only this, the region has also witnessed several heatwave spells during this period.
Record breaking temperatures have been observed in April. So much so that Bankura in West Bengal broke its all-time record and sizzled at 46.7 degrees on April 23. The region was in desperate need of some good rains.
As reiterated by Skymet Meteorology Division in India, East India has received moderate to heavy Pre-Monsoon showers on May 3. Temperatures have also witnessed a marginal drop giving the residents some relief from the ongoing conditions.
During the last 24 hours from 8:30 am on Tuesday, Purnea received 37 mm of rain followed by Midnapore where 36.8 mm rainfall was recorded. Other areas to have received rain include Forbesganj 32 mm, Supaul 20.6 mm, Bankura 18 mm, Muzaffarpur 15.5 mm, Jamshedpur 11.6 mm, Patna 10 mm, and Kolkata 4.6 mm rainfall.
These Pre-Monsoon rains are the first good spell over the region. Rain in East India is likely to continue for another 48 hours. While most parts will receive light to moderate rain, heavy showers may be observed along the foothills.
These rains will result in a significant drop in the temperatures. The heatwave conditions will abate and maximums will come close to the normal levels. Nights will also become comfortable bringing in a wave of relief.
