Bhubaneswar: A fresh low-pressure system over the Bay of Bengal is expected to intensify rainfall activity across Odisha over the next few days, prompting the India Meteorological Department (IMD) to issue weather warnings for several districts. According to the Regional Meteorological Centre in Bhubaneswar, the rainy spell is likely to continue until July 15, with thunderstorms, lightning and heavy rainfall expected in many parts of the state.
The developing weather system is expected to strengthen the southwest monsoon over Odisha, bringing widespread showers across both coastal and interior districts. Authorities have advised residents to remain alert and follow weather advisories as the state prepares for another spell of wet weather.
Yellow Warning for Several Districts
The IMD has issued a yellow warning for multiple districts, forecasting thunderstorms accompanied by lightning, gusty winds and moderate rainfall at isolated places.
Districts under the yellow alert include:
- Cuttack
- Khordha
- Kendrapada
- Bhadrak
- Jagatsinghpur
- Keonjhar
- Mayurbhanj
- Gajapati
- Ganjam
- Nayagarh
- Balasore
- Sundargarh
Residents in these districts have been advised to remain cautious during thunderstorms, avoid venturing into open fields, stay away from water bodies, and not take shelter under trees during lightning activity.
Orange Alert Issued for Kandhamal
While most districts remain under a yellow warning, the IMD has issued an orange alert for Kandhamal district, indicating the likelihood of heavy rainfall at one or two places.
An orange warning signifies the need for heightened preparedness, as intense rainfall could lead to waterlogging in low-lying areas, localised flooding, disruption of traffic, and reduced visibility. Authorities have been asked to remain vigilant and take necessary precautionary measures to minimise any weather-related risks.
Rainfall Likely Across Odisha
The Regional Meteorological Centre has extended a statewide yellow warning for rainfall on Wednesday, indicating that most parts of Odisha are likely to experience light to moderate showers over the coming days.
Weather experts said the low-pressure system, combined with favourable monsoon conditions, is expected to keep the atmosphere unstable, resulting in intermittent rainfall, thunderstorms and lightning across several districts until the middle of the week.
The rainfall is expected to benefit the ongoing kharif cultivation by improving soil moisture. However, continuous showers may also cause temporary disruptions in transportation and normal daily activities in some areas.
IMD Advises Public to Stay Alert
The weather department has urged people to remain updated with the latest forecasts and follow official advisories during the active weather period. Farmers, fishermen, commuters and residents in vulnerable areas have been advised to exercise caution, especially during thunderstorms and periods of heavy rainfall.
Authorities have also advised people to avoid unnecessary travel during severe weather, stay indoors when lightning occurs, and report any weather-related emergencies to local administration.
The IMD said it will continue to closely monitor the evolving low-pressure system and issue further forecasts and warnings as required.
