Bhubaneswar: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted the formation of a low-pressure area over the north-west and adjoining west-central Bay of Bengal within the next 48 hours, likely to bring widespread rainfall to Odisha until August 17.
The Regional Weather Centre in Bhubaneswar has issued orange and yellow warnings for several districts, cautioning about heavy rain, thunderstorms, and lightning.
District-Wise Weather Alerts
According to Manorama Mohanty, Director of the Regional Weather Centre, Koraput and Malkangiri districts are under orange warning for August 12 and 13, anticipating very heavy rainfall.
A yellow warning has been issued for 28 districts, including Nabarangpur, Kalahandi, Rayagada, Ganjam, Gajapati, and Kandhamal, where heavy rain and thunderstorms are expected. The remaining 22 districts are also on yellow alert for rain accompanied by lightning.
Rainfall Status in the Last 24 Hours
-
Daitari (Keonjhar): 15.8 cm (highest)
-
Tikabali (Kandhamal): 9.5 cm
-
Jajpur (Balasore): 7.5 cm
Additionally, 29 other locations across the state reported rainfall between 1 cm and 6 cm.
Impact on Monsoon Activity
The upcoming low-pressure system is expected to intensify monsoon activity in southern Odisha on Tuesday and Wednesday, with intermittent heavy showers across coastal and interior regions.
Since June 1, Odisha has received 653.6 mm of rainfall, which is 5% below the normal 686.8 mm. Districts like Sundargarh, Deogarh, Keonjhar, and Mayurbhanj have experienced below-normal rainfall, with 10 districts facing deficits and 16 others recording normal levels.
Precautionary Measures
Authorities have urged residents in low-lying and flood-prone areas to remain alert. People are advised to avoid open fields during thunderstorms and fishermen have been warned of rough sea conditions along the Odisha coast.
