Monsoon showers in Patna and adjoining areas as also parts of north and east Bihar have brought respite from the scorching heat, which has claimed 43 lives in the state so far.

As a result of the rains, the maximum temperature in the capital city, which had shot up to 46°C on Sunday, came down to 35°C, while the minimum temperature plunged to 28°C, according to weather department sources.

As per the weather forecast, moderate rains are expected in several parts of the state over the next 24 hours.

The authorities had extended summer vacations in schools till July 1 in view of the heat wave that swept across the state for over a fortnight.