The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast continued heavy rainfall across Odisha till July 19, especially affecting the northern and western regions of the state.
A Yellow Warning has been issued for Mayurbhanj, Keonjhar, Sundargarh, Sambalpur, and Jharsuguda, predicting heavy rain with gusty winds between 30–40 kmph.
The IMD has advised residents in low-lying areas to remain cautious due to a possible rise in river water levels. The rainfall is expected to be most intense through July 16–17, before gradually weakening thereafter.
Twin Low-Pressure Systems Behind the Rains
The persistent rain is attributed to two low-pressure systems: one currently over northwest Madhya Pradesh and another developing over the Bay of Bengal. These systems are influencing weather patterns across Odisha’s coastal, interior, and northern belts.
Widespread Showers Already Recorded
In the last 24 hours, heavy to very heavy rain has been recorded in Keonjhar, Sundargarh, Deogarh, Sambalpur, Mayurbhanj, Angul, and Balasore. Thunderstorms and gusty winds have also impacted several districts.
On Wednesday, rain is expected to continue across both coastal and interior Odisha. Apart from the five districts under Yellow Alert, Balasore, Bhadrak, Jajpur, Kendrapara, Cuttack, and Jagatsinghpur are also under thunderstorm warnings.
While a gradual decrease in intensity is expected after July 17, intermittent rainfall may persist in isolated areas of southern and northern Odisha throughout the week.