Bhubaneswar: Odisha is set for a wet Raja festival as the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has indicated that the southwest monsoon is likely to enter the state during the three-day celebration. The state has already been witnessing widespread pre-monsoon showers and Kalbaisakhi activity over the past few days, creating favourable conditions for the monsoon’s advancement.
According to the Regional Meteorological Centre in Bhubaneswar, moisture-laden winds from the Bay of Bengal and increasing cloud formation have strengthened the possibility of the monsoon reaching Odisha during Raja. The weather system is expected to bring more widespread rainfall across several districts, offering relief from the prevailing summer heat.
Orange Warning for Three Districts
The weather department has issued an Orange Warning for Malkangiri, Koraput and Mayurbhanj districts on Thursday. These areas are likely to experience heavy rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms, lightning and gusty surface winds.
Residents in the affected districts have been advised to remain alert and avoid open spaces during thunderstorm activity. Authorities have also urged people to follow official weather advisories and take necessary precautions against lightning strikes and strong winds.
Yellow Alert Across Odisha
Apart from the three districts under Orange Warning, the IMD has issued a Yellow Alert for the remaining 27 districts of Odisha. The forecast suggests the likelihood of rain, thunderstorms and lightning at isolated places across the state.
The continuing pre-monsoon activity is expected to intensify over the next few days as the monsoon advances further towards Odisha. Weather experts believe the current atmospheric conditions are highly conducive for the formal onset of the southwest monsoon.
Day Temperature to Remain Stable
Despite the increasing rainfall activity and the expected arrival of the monsoon, there is unlikely to be any significant change in daytime temperatures across Odisha over the next three days. However, temperatures may gradually decline after the monsoon sets in, bringing much-needed relief from hot and humid conditions.
With Raja festivities set to begin amid favourable monsoon conditions, Odisha may witness a rainy start to one of its most cherished cultural festivals, while residents are advised to stay prepared for weather-related disruptions.
