Bhubaneswar: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a series of yellow warnings for Odisha, forecasting a spell of widespread rainfall and thunderstorms over the next seven days, with several districts likely to witness heavy to very heavy downpours and gusty winds.
According to the midday weather bulletin released by the Meteorological Centre in Bhubaneswar, a depression currently lies over northwest Madhya Pradesh and adjoining southwest Uttar Pradesh, influencing rainfall across eastern India. The monsoon trough extends from Bikaner in Rajasthan to the northeast Bay of Bengal, passing through several states, including Odisha. Additionally, a fresh low-pressure area is expected to form over the North Bay of Bengal around July 24, which may further intensify rainfall activity in the region.
Rainfall Forecast and Warnings:
For Day 1 (till 8:30 AM, 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.
Residents in vulnerable districts have been advised to remain alert for possible localized flooding, lightning strikes, and gusty winds. The IMD has recommended that fishermen, farmers, and those residing in low-lying areas stay updated with official forecasts and take necessary precautions.
