Bhubaneswar: A shifting monsoon trough extending from northern regions to the Northeast Bay of Bengal is anticipated to enhance rainfall in Odisha, creating further challenges for the state, which is still dealing with the aftermath of recent flooding.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted that heavy rain may return to one or two locations in the Sundaragada, Kendujhar, and Mayurbhanj districts on August 21.
On August 22, heavy rainfall is also expected to persist in Baleshwar, Sundaragada, Kendujhar, and Mayurbhanj. Additionally, thunderstorms with lightning and strong winds (30-40 kmph) are likely to affect Baleshwar, Bhadrak, Jajpur, Kendrapada, Jagatsinghpur, Kataka, Sundaragada, Kendujhar, Mayurbhanj, Gajapati, Ganjam, Puri, Khordha, and Nayagada during this period.
The intensity of rainfall is projected to increase on August 23, with an orange warning issued for heavy to very heavy rain in one or two places in Kendujhar and Mayurbhanj. Persistent heavy rain may also be observed in Baleshwar, Bhadrak, Jajpur, Sundaragada, Debagada, Anugola, and Dhenkanal. Thunderstorm conditions with gusty winds may occur across multiple districts including Baleshwar, Bhadrak, Jajpur, Kendrapada, Jagatsinghpur, Kataka, Sundaragada, Jharsuguda, Baragada, Sambalpur, Debagada, Anugola, Dhenkanal, Kendujhar, Mayurbhanj, Gajapati, Ganjam, Puri, Khordha, and Nayagada.
On August 24, heavy rainfall is anticipated in Sundaragada, Jharsuguda, Sambalpur, Kendujhar, and Mayurbhanj, with thunderstorms continuing in Baleshwar, Bhadrak, Jajpur, Kendrapada, Jagatsinghpur, Kataka, Sundaragada, Jharsuguda, Baragada, Sambalpur, Debagada, Anugola, Dhenkanal, Kendujhar, and Mayurbhanj.
The weather service has also indicated that heavy rain will likely affect Sundaragada, Kendujhar, and Mayurbhanj on August 25, followed by more rain in Kendujhar and Mayurbhanj on August 26, with little variation expected thereafter.
The IMD cautioned that the anticipated heavy rainfall could lead to localized flooding in low-lying regions and urban underpasses, potentially disrupting traffic in major urban centers. Residents in vulnerable structures are advised to take precautions. Furthermore, there is a risk of landslides or mudslides in hilly areas, as well as minor damage to crops and horticulture.
