The weather pattern across Odisha is set for a notable shift just ahead of the festive season.
According to the regional centre of the India Meteorological Department (IMD) in Bhubaneswar, a fresh spell of rain, accompanied by thunder and lightning, is expected to affect several parts of the state for the next five days, starting October 14.
Yellow Warning and Affected Districts
The Met department has issued a yellow warning for light to moderate rain and thunderstorms in several districts. Until the morning of October 15, districts including Balasore, Bhadrak, Jajpur, Kendrapara, Jagatsinghpur, Cuttack, Keonjhar, Mayurbhanj, Kandhamal, Rayagada, Koraput, Malkangiri, Gajapati, Ganjam, Puri, Khordha, and Nayagarh are expected to experience spells of rain.
The wet weather conditions—featuring lightning, thunder, and surface winds reaching speeds of up to 40 km/h—are expected to persist through Sunday, October 18. Coastal and southern districts like Gajapati, Ganjam, Puri, Khordha, and Nayagarh will remain particularly vulnerable to lightning strikes and gusty winds. However, conditions are expected to improve significantly starting Monday, with rain likely to taper off and clear skies returning.
Monsoon Withdrawal and Low-Pressure System
Dr Rajashree VPM, a scientist at the regional meteorological centre, explained that the southwest monsoon is actively withdrawing from the state. The monsoon has already completely receded from western and interior districts such as Sundargarh, Jharsuguda, Sambalpur, Deogarh, Sonepur, Bargarh, Nuapada, Balangir, Kalahandi, and Nabarangpur, with partial withdrawal underway in other regions.
Simultaneously, a low-pressure system has formed over the southeast Bay of Bengal. According to IMD forecasts, this system is projected to move west-northwestwards and intensify into a depression, influencing weather patterns across Odisha and neighbouring coastal belts. While this spell of rain may cause temporary disruptions, it has provided much-needed relief to residents following recent humid conditions.
