The southwest monsoon officially entered Odisha on Friday through the northern parts of the state, marking the beginning of the rainy season and bringing much-awaited relief from the intense summer heat. The arrival of the monsoon is expected to trigger widespread rainfall, thunderstorms, and gusty winds across multiple districts over the next few days.
According to the Regional Meteorological Centre in Bhubaneswar, weather conditions are likely to remain active throughout the state for at least five days. The advancement of the monsoon is expected to lower temperatures significantly, providing respite to residents who have been enduring hot and humid conditions in recent weeks.
Orange Warning For Heavy Rainfall In Southern Odisha
Regional Meteorological Centre Director Manorama Mohanty said that several districts in southern Odisha are likely to receive heavy rainfall on June 13. In view of the forecast, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an Orange Warning for:
- Ganjam
- Rayagada
- Malkangiri
- Koraput
- Nabarangpur
These districts may experience intense rainfall activity, which could lead to waterlogging in low-lying areas and disruptions in normal life.
Thunderstorms And Strong Winds Likely
Apart from heavy rain, districts such as Mayurbhanj and Keonjhar are expected to witness thunderstorms accompanied by lightning and strong surface winds reaching speeds of 50 to 60 kmph.
Meteorologists have also warned that certain regions of Odisha may experience heavy to very heavy rainfall over the next 48 hours as the monsoon strengthens its presence across the state.
Fishermen Warned Against Venturing Into Sea
The weather department has advised fishermen along the Odisha coast not to venture into the sea due to rough weather conditions. Wind speeds along the north Odisha coast are expected to touch 60 kmph, creating hazardous conditions for fishing and marine activities.
Authorities have urged coastal communities to remain vigilant and closely monitor weather updates issued by the IMD.
Rainfall Activity Already Reported
Thunderstorm and rainfall activity has already been recorded in several districts, including Sundargarh and Kendrapara. The weather system is expected to intensify further as the monsoon advances deeper into the state.
Officials have advised residents to take necessary precautions during thunderstorms, particularly in areas prone to lightning strikes and strong winds.
Normal Monsoon Expected Despite El Niño Concerns
Addressing concerns over the potential impact of El Niño on rainfall patterns, meteorological officials said Odisha is likely to receive normal monsoon rainfall this season. The forecast comes as positive news for the agriculture sector, which heavily depends on seasonal rainfall for crop cultivation.
With the monsoon now officially arriving in Odisha, farmers, residents, and businesses are hopeful of a productive rainy season, even as authorities remain alert for possible heavy rainfall events and weather-related disruptions in the coming days.
