Patna, Aug 28 — As Bihar celebrates Raksha Bandhan on Friday, the Meteorological Department has forecast rainfall across all 38 districts of the state.
An orange alert has been issued for 20 districts, including Patna, while the remaining 18 districts are under a yellow alert.
Heavy rainfall is possible at isolated locations, particularly in North Bihar, and strong winds may accompany the showers.
People have been advised to remain cautious and take necessary precautions in view of the adverse weather conditions.
The districts under the orange alert are Patna, Jehanabad, Nalanda, Gaya, Nawada, Madhubani, Darbhanga, Samastipur, Begusarai, Sheikhpura, Lakhisarai, West Champaran, East Champaran, Gopalganj, Siwan, Saran, Sitamarhi, Sheohar, Muzaffarpur and Vaishali.
The day's temperature is expected to remain around 28 to 34 degrees Celsius, with humidity forecast at approximately 93 per cent.
The Disaster Management Department has also urged residents to act according to weather conditions and follow safety advisories.
"Despite the rainfall forecast, Bihar's overall monsoon activity has remained below normal this season. The usual three-to-four-day rainfall cycles have been largely absent, apart from scattered rainfall activity, contributing to higher-than-normal temperatures," said an official of the Met Department, Patna.
The outlook also indicates that rainfall activity could remain below normal in September, raising concerns for paddy cultivation.
Against the state's target of 37.96 lakh hectares, paddy has been sown across approximately 36.85 lakh hectares, representing about 97 per cent of the target.
The official said that around a dozen districts recorded rainfall deficits of approximately 42 per cent between June 1 and August 27, making it increasingly difficult for farmers to protect their paddy crops.
In view of the difficulties faced by farmers, the Agriculture Department began accepting applications for diesel subsidies from August 17.
Except for Gaya, Jamui and Aurangabad, more than 90 per cent of the targeted paddy sowing has been completed across the state's districts. In Kishanganj and Gopalganj, sowing has reportedly reached 101 per cent of the target.
Under the diesel subsidy provision, farmers can receive Rs 750 per acre, calculated at Rs 75 per litre, for irrigation using diesel-powered pump sets.