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The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a series of yellow warnings for Odisha, predicting widespread rainfall and thunderstorms over the next seven days, with certain districts expected to see heavy to extremely heavy downpours and strong winds.
According to the Meteorological Centre in Bhubaneswar’s lunchtime weather report, a depression is currently over northwest Madhya Pradesh and adjoining southwest Uttar Pradesh, influencing rainfall in eastern India. The monsoon trough extends from Bikaner, Rajasthan, to the northeast Bay of Bengal, passing through various states, including Odisha. Furthermore, a new low-pressure system is predicted to emerge over the North Bay of Bengal around July 24, potentially intensifying rainfall activity in the region.
Rainfall Forecast and Warnings:
Day 1 (July 19), light to moderate rain or thundershowers are likely at a few places across Odisha. Thunderstorms accompanied by lightning and gusty winds (30–40 kmph) may occur at isolated locations in nearly 20 districts, including Sundargarh, Keonjhar, Angul, Kalahandi, and Mayurbhanj.
From Day 2 to Day 5, rainfall activity is expected to intensify, with a higher concentration over interior Odisha. Heavy rain with thunderstorms and gusty winds is likely at isolated places in districts like Rayagada, Kandhamal, Koraput, and Gajapati. Coastal districts may experience moderate rain and thunderstorms as well.
On Day 6 (July 23), rain is forecast at most places across Odisha, with heavy rainfall at one or two locations.
The intensity is expected to peak on Day 7 (July 24), when heavy to very heavy rain is likely at isolated spots, coinciding with the anticipated formation of a new low-pressure system over the Bay of Bengal.
The intensity is projected to peak on Day 7 (July 24), when heavy to very heavy rain is forecast in isolated areas, coinciding with the emergence of a new low-pressure system over the Bay of Bengal.
Residents in vulnerable areas have been urged to stay vigilant for isolated flooding, lightning strikes, and strong gusts. The IMD has advised fishermen, farmers, and people who live in low-lying areas to stay up to date on official forecasts and take appropriate preparations.
