Odisha is likely to experience another spell of heavy to extremely heavy rainfall over the next three days as a low-pressure area continues to influence weather conditions across the state, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD).
Several parts of the state have already witnessed intense rainfall over the past two days. The weather system is expected to remain active, with northern Odisha likely to receive the heaviest showers. The continued downpour has also raised concerns about renewed flooding in areas that had only recently begun recovering from earlier waterlogging and flood conditions.
Red Alert Issued for Three Northern Districts
The IMD has issued a red warning for Keonjhar, Mayurbhanj and Balasore, indicating the possibility of very heavy to extremely heavy rainfall in these districts.
Eight other districts have been placed under an orange alert, while the remaining districts are under a yellow warning. Authorities have been advised to closely monitor the situation, particularly in vulnerable areas where heavy rainfall could lead to waterlogging, road disruptions and a rise in river levels.
The forecast has put northern Odisha on particular alert as the region could receive intense rainfall during the coming 24 hours.
Eight Districts Under Orange Alert
Cuttack, Jajpur, Bhadrak, Dhenkanal, Angul, Deogarh, Sambalpur and Sundargarh have been placed under an orange warning.
These districts could receive rainfall exceeding 20 centimetres, according to the forecast. Such intense rainfall may affect normal life and could create difficulties for road connectivity and movement in low-lying areas.
Residents in districts under red and orange warnings have been advised to remain cautious and follow instructions issued by local authorities.
RMC Warns of Heavy Rain in North Odisha
Manorama Mohanty, Director of the Regional Meteorological Centre (RMC), Bhubaneswar, said Odisha would receive light to moderate rainfall in several areas, while some northern districts could experience much heavier showers.
According to the weather official, Mayurbhanj, Keonjhar and Balasore are particularly likely to witness heavy to extremely heavy rainfall, prompting the issuance of a red warning.
The persistence of the weather system means rainfall activity is unlikely to ease immediately, with several districts expected to remain under its influence over the next few days.
Fresh Flood Concerns for Rain-Affected Areas
The latest forecast has caused concern in districts that recently experienced flooding and waterlogging. In some locations, floodwaters had begun receding, allowing residents to return to normal activities. Another spell of intense rainfall could, however, worsen the situation and create fresh problems.
Heavy rainfall may also increase the inflow into rivers and other water bodies, potentially putting pressure on drainage systems and low-lying settlements.
Authorities are therefore keeping a close watch on rainfall and water levels while urging people in vulnerable locations to take necessary precautions.
With the low-pressure system continuing to influence Odisha’s weather, the coming three days are expected to remain critical, particularly for northern districts under the red and orange warnings.
