Heavy Rainfall Expected in Odisha Over the Next Few Days

Bhubaneswar, July 2: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a warning regarding heavy rainfall in Odisha over the next two to three days. This forecast comes as a result of a low-pressure area forming over the northwestern Bay of Bengal and the adjacent West Bengal coast, influenced by a cyclonic circulation extending up to 7.6 kilometers above sea level.

Manorama Mohanty, the director of IMD Bhubaneswar, stated that this weather system is expected to strengthen further, leading to widespread rainfall across Odisha. Several districts in the state are likely to experience heavy rain due to this low-pressure system.

According to Mohanty, there is a strong possibility of light to moderate rain accompanied by thunderstorms in various locations over the next four to five days. Some districts may witness heavy to very heavy rainfall.

The weather forecast indicates that areas such as Koraput, Malkangiri, Nabarangpur, Kalahandi, Rayagada, Gajapati, Ganjam, Kandhamal, Boudh, and Nuapada could experience heavy to very heavy rainfall. Additionally, extreme rainfall is anticipated in parts of southern Odisha, particularly in Malkangiri and Koraput.

The IMD expects an increase in rainfall intensity between July 3 and July 6, with widespread rain and localized extremely heavy rainfall in southern and western Odisha. Coastal districts are also likely to see heavy rainfall during this period.

On Thursday, the IMD issued a red alert, warning of heavy to very heavy rainfall in one or two locations in Koraput and Malkangiri on July 3 and 4. Orange and yellow alerts have been issued for other districts in the state for the upcoming days.

The agency further noted that rainfall intensity is expected to gradually decrease after July 8.

Mohanty advised fishermen to refrain from venturing into the sea for the next five days due to the likelihood of stormy weather in the Bay of Bengal. Wind speeds could reach 40-50 km/h, with gusts potentially hitting 60 km/h, leading to rough to very rough sea conditions along and off the Odisha coast.