Bhubaneswar: Odisha is set to experience widespread rainfall over the next four days, with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasting heavy to very heavy rain across several districts beginning Thursday. The Regional Meteorological Centre in Bhubaneswar has issued orange and yellow weather alerts as a fresh low-pressure area is expected to form over the Bay of Bengal on Friday, intensifying monsoon activity across the state.
The forecast indicates that northern, southern coastal, and western Odisha are likely to bear the brunt of the rainfall, with authorities urging residents to remain alert for possible waterlogging, localized flooding, and thunderstorm-related incidents.
Orange Alert for Southern Odisha
An orange warning has been issued for Koraput, Kalahandi, Nabarangpur, and Nuapada districts until 8:30 a.m. on Thursday, where very heavy rainfall ranging between 12 and 20 centimetres is expected at isolated places.
The weather office has cautioned that intense rainfall may lead to flash flooding in low-lying areas, disruption to road traffic, and damage to vulnerable structures. Residents have been advised to avoid unnecessary travel during periods of heavy rain and thunderstorms.
Yellow Warning for Several Districts
Alongside the orange alert, the IMD has issued a yellow warning for 15 districts, forecasting heavy rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms, lightning, and gusty winds.
The warning is expected to continue over the coming days as the weather system gains strength.
For Friday, orange alerts will remain in force for Koraput and Mayurbhanj, while 10 other districts will continue under yellow warning. Meteorologists expect the active monsoon conditions to persist until July 6, bringing intermittent spells of moderate to heavy rainfall across much of Odisha.
Fresh Low-Pressure Area to Intensify Monsoon
According to the Regional Meteorological Centre, the increase in rainfall activity is linked to a fresh low-pressure area that is likely to develop over the Bay of Bengal on Friday.
The system is expected to strengthen the southwest monsoon over Odisha, resulting in widespread showers and isolated episodes of very heavy rainfall in several districts.
Meteorologists are closely monitoring the system, as its movement and intensity will determine the distribution of rainfall over the state in the coming days.
Rough Sea Conditions, Fishermen Warned
The weather department has also forecast rough to very rough sea conditions along the Odisha coast under the influence of the developing weather system.
Fishermen have been strictly advised not to venture into the sea until further notice, as strong winds and turbulent waters could pose serious risks to fishing vessels and coastal activities.
Coastal residents and authorities have also been asked to remain vigilant for any weather-related emergencies.
IMD Identifies High-Risk Districts
Regional Meteorological Centre Director Manorama Mohanty said districts including Koraput and Mayurbhanj are likely to receive heavy to very heavy rainfall over the next few days.
She added that districts such as Sundargarh, Keonjhar, Balasore, Deogarh, Sambalpur, Angul, Nabarangpur, Boudh, Gajapati, and Malkangiri are also expected to receive significant rainfall, with one or two locations in these districts likely to witness very heavy downpours.
Authorities Urge Vigilance
The state administration has advised district authorities to stay prepared for possible weather-related incidents, including waterlogging, localized flooding, landslides in hilly regions, and disruptions to transport and power supply.
People living in vulnerable and low-lying areas have been urged to follow official advisories, avoid crossing flooded roads, and remain indoors during thunderstorms. Farmers have also been advised to take precautionary measures to protect standing crops and agricultural equipment from heavy rain and strong winds.
With a fresh weather system developing over the Bay of Bengal, Odisha is expected to witness an active phase of the monsoon over the next several days, prompting authorities to maintain close monitoring of the evolving situation.
