Bhubaneswar: Cloudy skies blanketed most parts of Odisha on Monday as the southwest monsoon strengthened its grip over the state, bringing the threat of rain. While several areas experienced moderate to light rainfall, many others remained overcast throughout the day.
The cloudy and rainy conditions led to a noticeable drop in temperatures in most places. Western Odisha saw the maximum relief from the heat, with temperatures falling by 3 to 5 degrees Celsius in many locations.
Meanwhile, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast a further decline of around 3 degrees Celsius over the next two days. Monsoon winds reached Balangir and Sundargarh on Monday.
The highest rainfall in the state was recorded in Koraput, which received 28.8 mm. Other significant showers were reported in Chhatrapur (15.2 mm), Sambalpur (15 mm), Bargarh (12.8 mm), Sundargarh (12.8 mm), and Gopalpur (8.8 mm). Rainfall was also reported in Baripada, Daringbadi, Paradip, Bhubaneswar and Puri.
The IMD has predicted rainfall in several places across coastal, northern, and southern Odisha on Tuesday. Moderate to heavy rain is likely in coastal Odisha, interior regions, and southern districts on June 24, 25, and 26.
This fresh spell of monsoon activity is expected to bring much-needed relief from the recent heat while boosting agricultural prospects in the state.
