Bhubaneswar: Rainfall activities are expected to potentially dampen the Raja celebrations in Odisha this year. Heavy rains, driven by the southwest monsoon, are anticipated to disrupt outdoor festivities and may lead to waterlogging in low-lying areas.
According to the India Meteorological Department, the southwest monsoon is expected to become active in the state, bringing light to moderate rainfall in various districts in the coming weeks. While the rains will bring relief from the heat, they may also dampen the spirit of the festival, which is a significant festival.
As per IMD sources, the southwest monsoon, which had remained inactive since May 29, will be active again ahead of the Raja festival, which may lead to more widespread rainfall across the region.
Meanwhile, the regional weather office has issued orange warnings to Mayurbhanj, Keonjhar, Balasore, Bhadrak, and Angul districts, where thunderstorms with lightning and gusty winds (50-60 kmph) are likely to occur today.
Besides, the IMD has issued a yellow warning to Jajpur, Kendrapara, Cuttack, Jagatsinghpur and Khordha, Sundargarh, Bargarh, Jharsuguda, Sambalpur, Puri, Nayagarh, Kandhamal, Kalahandi, Nuapada, Nabarangapur, Gajapati, Ganjam, Malkangiri, Koraput, Sonepur, Boudh, Balangir, Rayagada, Deogarh, and Dhenkanal.
Besides, the regional weather office has issued a thunderstorm and rain alert for several Odisha districts until June 13, due to a cyclonic circulation over the northwestern Bay of Bengal and adjoining northern coastal Odisha.
