Patna: After months of sweltering heat, much-needed respite has finally arrived as the southwest monsoon made its way into the state. The rain has not only brought relief to people battling intense temperatures, but also lifted the spirits of farmers across the state, who have been preparing their fields for paddy cultivation.The monsoon entered the state on Tuesday through the eastern parts, including Banka, Bhagalpur, Katihar, Purnia, Kishanganj, Araria, Madhepura, Saharsa and Supaul. It is likely to cover the entire state in the next 24 hours.On Wednesday, Gaya, Patna, Bhagalpur, Purnia, Madhubani, Buxar, Madhepura, Aurangabad, Rajgir, Kishanganj, Munger, Dehri and Darbhanga received rainfall. Gaya recorded the highest rainfall of 37.8 mm.The Indian meteorological department (IMD) issued an alert of heavy and very heavy rainfall in six districts of the state on Thursday.These include West Champaran, Gaya, Nawada, Rohtas, Kaimur and Aurangabad. Additionally, most of the districts, including Patna, are likely to witness light to moderate showers, indicating the monsoon's gradual spread over the state.As per the bulletin released on Wednesday, all the southern districts of the state are likely to experience moderate showers at many places.

Northern districts are also expected to experience scattered rainfall at a few places.A

n orange alert of thunderstorms along with lightning was issued in 21 districts for Thursday. The districts include East Champaran, Gopalganj, Siwan, Saran, Buxar, Bhojpur, Rohtas, Kaimur, Aurangabad, Arwal, Patna, Jehanabad, Nalanda, Sheikhpura, Lakhisarai, Begusarai, Khagaria, Bhagalpur, Munger, Jamui and Banka.With the arrival of monsoon, the temperature in most of the districts have witnessed a decline. Temperatures in all the 38 districts remained below 40 degrees celsius on Wednesday. The maximum temperature of Patna and most of the other southern districts is expected to remain in the range of 30-32 degrees celsius for the next three days.The maximum temperature was recorded at 38.6 degrees celsius in Gopalganj. The maximum as well as minimum temperature is further expected to decline by 2-4 degrees celsius in the next three to four days. The minimum temperature of 25 degrees celsius was recorded in Gaya, Valmiki Nagar and Darbhanga.