Bhubaneswar: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) announced that with the monsoon trough moving southeast towards the Northeast Bay of Bengal, Odisha is likely to experience heavy to very heavy rainfall until July 28.
An orange alert has been issued for the districts of Sundaragada, Jharsuguda, and Kendujhar for July 22, with additional heavy rainfall anticipated in Baleshwar, Bhadrak, Jajpur, Kendrapada, Jagatsinghpur, Kataka, Baragada, Sambalpur, Debagada, Anugola, Dhenkanal, and Mayurbhanj.
The IMD has also warned of thunderstorms that may bring lightning and winds gusting to 30-40 kmph in parts of Baleshwar, Bhadrak, Jajpur, Kendrapada, Jagatsinghpur, Kataka, Sundaragada, Jharsuguda, Baragada, Sambalpur, Debagada, Anugola, Dhenkanal, Kendujhar, Mayurbhanj, Gajapati, Ganjam, Puri, Khordha, and Nayagada.
Furthermore, squally conditions with wind speeds of 35-45 kmph, occasionally reaching up to 55 kmph, are predicted along and off the coast of Odisha starting July 22.
Senior meteorologist Sarat Sahu indicated that rainfall activity is expected to increase significantly from July 22 to July 25 due to the development of a cyclonic circulation over Odisha, West Bengal, Jharkhand, and the adjacent Bay of Bengal. This system is anticipated to strengthen into a low-pressure area by July 24. “Rainfall will intensify across the state from July 22 to July 25. While northern Odisha may see heavier rain, coastal and southern districts like Ganjam, Nayagada, Balangir, Kalahandi, Rayagada, Koraput, and Malkangiri will also receive precipitation due to the existing wind patterns,” Sahu stated.
Puri may see rain, which could affect the upcoming Bahuda Yatra celebrations.
IMD’s Forecast for July 23-28:
- On July 23, heavy rainfall is expected in Sundaragada, Jharsuguda, Kendujhar, and Mayurbhanj, with thunderstorms and gusty winds likely in multiple districts.
- On July 24, heavy rain may occur in Baleshwar and Mayurbhanj, accompanied by storms and gusty winds in several areas.
- The warning for heavy rainfall continues on July 25 and 26 for Baleshwar, Sundaragada, Kendujhar, and Mayurbhanj, with similar storm warnings.
- On July 27 and 28, heavy rainfall is forecasted for Kendujhar and Mayurbhanj, with no significant changes expected thereafter.
