Bhubaneswar, Aug 21: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has warned of heavy to very heavy rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms and lightning across Odisha over the next six days, cautioning people about possible crop damage, traffic disruptions, and localized flooding.
According to the Bhubaneswar Meteorological Centre, the active monsoon conditions are being fuelled by a trough stretching from Jaisalmer to the Bay of Bengal and a cyclonic circulation over north Odisha and adjoining Gangetic West Bengal. These systems are likely to cause widespread showers, gusty winds reaching 30-40 kmph, and thunderstorm activity across large parts of the state.
Rainfall Forecast and District-Wise Alerts
The IMD has placed several districts under Yellow (Be Aware) and Orange (Be Prepared to Take Action) warnings for the coming days.
- Day 1 (Aug 21–22): Heavy rainfall is likely in Puri, Cuttack, Khurda, Jagatsinghpur, Mayurbhanj, Keonjhar, Sundargarh, Jharsuguda, Bargarh, and Sambalpur. Thunderstorms with lightning are also expected in Balasore, Bhadrak, Jajpur, Kendrapara, Nayagarh, Ganjam, Gajapati, Deogarh, Angul, Dhenkanal, Kandhamal, Kalahandi, Rayagada, Koraput, and Malkangiri.
- Day 2 (Aug 22–23): An Orange warning has been issued for Jharsuguda, Sundargarh, Kendrapara, Jagatsinghpur, and Cuttack, where heavy to very heavy rain is expected. Several other districts including Puri, Khurda, Jajpur, Keonjhar, Mayurbhanj, Bargarh, Sambalpur, and Dhenkanal will remain under Yellow alert.
- Day 3 (Aug 23–24): Heavy rainfall is expected in Balasore, Mayurbhanj, Keonjhar, Sundargarh, Jharsuguda, and Sambalpur.
- Day 4 (Aug 24–25): Sundargarh, Jharsuguda, and Bargarh districts may experience heavy rain and thunderstorms. Coastal districts including Puri, Khurda, Cuttack, Jagatsinghpur, and Kendrapara may also witness thunderstorms with lightning.
- Day 5 (Aug 25–26): Another Orange warning has been issued for Kendrapara, Jagatsinghpur, and Bhadrak, with heavy to very heavy rain predicted. Heavy showers are also likely in Balasore, Mayurbhanj, Keonjhar, Jajpur, Khurda, Cuttack, and Puri.
- Day 6 (Aug 26–27): Very heavy rainfall is expected over Kalahandi and Kandhamal, with Yellow warnings issued for Rayagada, Gajapati, Ganjam, Koraput, Nuapada, Bolangir, and Boudh.
Fishermen and Public Safety Advisory
The IMD has advised fishermen not to venture into the sea along and off the north Odisha coast from August 21 to 23 due to rough conditions. Residents have been urged to stay indoors during thunderstorms, avoid shelter under trees, unplug electrical appliances, and keep track of weather updates.
Possible Impacts
The Met Centre has warned of strong winds damaging plantation and standing crops, particularly banana and papaya trees. Kutcha houses, power lines, and weak structures may face partial damage. Urban areas could witness waterlogging, traffic congestion, and disruption of road transport. Localized flooding and landslides are also possible in hilly regions.
Authorities have urged people in vulnerable areas to remain alert, avoid unnecessary travel, and move to safer places if conditions worsen.
