As Odisha celebrates the vibrant Raja festival, the state is bracing for a significant weather event, with the Bhubaneswar Regional Meteorological Centre issuing a yellow warning for heavy to very heavy rainfall across multiple districts.
The southwest monsoon, advancing rapidly after the northwest monsoon’s influence, is driving widespread rainfall, accompanied by thunderstorms and gusty winds, expected to continue through June 18, 2025.
Over the past 24 hours, heavy to very heavy rainfall has been recorded, particularly in southern and northern coastal regions. Districts such as Mayurbhanj, Cuttack, Nayagarh, Khordha, Bhadrak, Kendrapara, Jajpur, Balasore, Ganjam, Gajapati, Koraput, Malkangiri, Nabarangpur, and Rayagada have been significantly affected. Keonjhar recorded the highest rainfall at 13.8 mm, while Sambalpur saw the highest daytime temperature at 40.4°C on June 12, with most other areas staying below 40°C.
Manorama Mohanty, Director of the Bhubaneswar Regional Meteorological Centre, stated that the southwest monsoon is progressing across Odisha, with active monsoon conditions expected to intensify rainfall in the coming days. A cyclonic circulation in the Bay of Bengal, potentially intensifying into a low-pressure area, is contributing to the heightened weather activity. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) notes that the monsoon arrived early in Odisha, touching southern parts by May 28, due to favourable conditions like increased humidity and the absence of El Niño, setting the stage for above-normal rainfall this season.
District-Specific Weather Forecast
For Saturday, June 14, a yellow warning has been issued for Koraput, Malkangiri, Kalahandi, Kandhamal, Rayagada, Ganjam, and Nabarangpur, forecasting heavy to very heavy rainfall with thunderstorms and wind speeds of 40-50 kmph. Other districts, including Balasore, Bhadrak, Jajpur, Kendrapara, Cuttack, Jagatsinghpur, Sundargarh, Jharsuguda, Bargarh, Sambalpur, Deogarh, Angul, Dhenkanal, Keonjhar, Mayurbhanj, Puri, Khordha, Nayagarh, Gajapati, Sonepur, Boudh, Nuapada, and Balangir, are under a yellow warning for rainfall with thunderstorms and winds of 30-40 kmph.
This weather pattern is expected to persist through Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday, with a statewide yellow warning for thunderstorms and rain. From June 18, the entire state is likely to experience heavy to very heavy rainfall, with Koraput, Malkangiri, Rayagada, Nabarangpur, and Gajapati flagged for particularly intense downpours.
Potential Impacts and Safety Measures
The heavy rainfall may lead to waterlogging in low-lying areas, disruptions to transportation, and risks from thunderstorms and lightning. Authorities urge residents to stay informed through weather updates, avoid open fields during storms, and prepare for potential power outages. Coastal areas are advised to be cautious due to rough sea conditions caused by gusty winds.
With the Raja festival in full swing, the heavy rainfall adds a layer of complexity to celebrations. The state government and local authorities are on alert, implementing measures to mitigate risks and ensure public safety.
