At a time of the year when people perspire, a light cool breeze is keeping the heat at bay while clouds block the sun, ensuring residents can venture outdoors.

The weathermen have predicted that these conditions would prevail for another few days and the temperatures would rise gradually to reach the normal level.

The maximum temperatures in various parts of the state have been 2 to 6°C below normal at a time when they tend to move north to touch the 40°C mark.

The maximum temperature recorded in Patna was 34.5°C, two notches below normal, while in Purnea it was three notches below normal at 32.2°C.

Patna meteorological centre director Ashish Sen said: "The phenomenon being noticed is due to Nor'wester activity. Westerly winds are blowing at times, but most of the times it is the cold, moisture-laden and heavy easterly wind. The easterlies are affecting parts of Bengal and eastern Bihar stretching up to Patna."

Sen added that the high presence of moisture in the easterlies has brought the maximum temperature down to provide relief from summer heat.

They have pushed the westerlies upwards. The moisture is the reason behind the formation of clouds.

"The entire sky over Patna was covered with clouds on Monday morning. The easterlies will gradually subside from tomorrow and temperatures will slowly climb in and around the state capital. It will be a sunny day on Tuesday. Temperature will attain normal levels in the state capital in the next four days," Sen said.

Weather scientists said the current "cool" situation will continue over eastern parts of Bihar for the next four days and there are possibilities of rainfall, thundershowers and dust storms at several places.

Patna residents, naturally, have welcomed the respite from heat. They have started going out without umbrellas, sunscreens and glares.

"The weather is so lovely for the past few days that I just want to take my daughter, roll down the windows of my car and go on a long drive. The temperature is less than what it was before Holi. Such a weather feels amazing. Evenings are also cool and there is no need of switching on the AC while going to sleep. I am just allowing the cool breeze to lull me to sleep," said Mausam Sharma, director of Nrityangan, a music and dance school in the city.

However, doctors are sounding a note of caution to people over the prevailing conditions with hot and cold winds blowing alternately.

They say such conditions help easy bacterial growth.

Dr Nigam Prakash Narain said: "People should avoid stale food or eating out as diarrhoeal infections are common during these times. People should also take precautions regarding the water they are drinking and ensure that the source is clean and hygienic."

Narain added that skin infections are also common in a weather when its hot and cool simultaneously.

"People should bathe with a good hygienic soap to avoid skin infections and wear loose, cotton clothes. Children should not be taken out much for outings as alternating hot and cold weather could make them ill," Narain added.