Heavy to very heavy rainfall continued across Odisha under the influence of a low-pressure system, with eight locations recording more than 100 mm of rain in the past 24 hours. Balasore has also registered its highest July-August rainfall in 19 years.
Odisha continued to witness widespread heavy rainfall on Monday as an active low-pressure system over the region triggered intense showers across several districts.
According to the latest rainfall data, eight places recorded more than 100 mm of rain in the past 24 hours. Joda in Keonjhar district received the highest rainfall at 169.4 mm, followed by Papadahandi in Nabarangpur with 158.8 mm.
Paikmal in Bargarh recorded 120 mm, while Kusumi in Mayurbhanj received 117 mm. Jharigam recorded 112.6 mm, Joshipur 108 mm, Telkoi in Keonjhar 106.4 mm and Champua 103.4 mm.
Overall, very heavy rainfall was recorded at four locations, while 47 places experienced heavy rainfall during the period.
Balasore breaks 19-year rainfall record
Balasore has witnessed an exceptional spell of rain this monsoon. The district has received 1,162 mm of rainfall between July 1 and August 23, marking its highest rainfall for the two-month period in the last 19 years.
For the first time, the district has crossed the 1,000-mm mark in July and August combined, highlighting the intensity of the ongoing monsoon spell.
Low-pressure system remains active
The low-pressure area is currently active over parts of the Gangetic West Bengal region, northern Odisha, Jharkhand and the northwest Bay of Bengal. An associated cyclonic circulation extends up to around 7.6 km above mean sea level.
The Regional Meteorological Centre has forecast that the system will move towards the northwest through Jharkhand and northern Odisha during the next 24 hours.
Rainfall likely to ease before increasing again
According to Regional Meteorological Centre director Dr Manorama Mohanty, rainfall is expected to continue over Odisha over the next few days.
A warning for heavy to very heavy rainfall has been issued until the morning of August 25. Sundargarh, Jharsuguda, Bargarh, Sambalpur, Sonepur and Boudh are among the districts under an orange warning for very heavy rainfall.
Thunderstorms accompanied by gusty winds of 30-40 kmph are also likely in parts of the state.
Rainfall is expected to decrease on Tuesday and Wednesday, although some districts may continue to experience thunderstorms and strong winds.
However, the weather situation could turn wetter again from Thursday (August 27), with heavy rainfall likely in northern Odisha districts, particularly Keonjhar, Mayurbhanj and Sundargarh.
Yellow and orange warnings are expected to remain in force for parts of northern Odisha through the end of the month.
Fishermen advised against venturing into deep sea
The low-pressure system is also expected to keep sea conditions rough. In view of the prevailing weather, fishermen have been advised not to venture into the deep sea until conditions improve.
Authorities are closely monitoring the situation as continued heavy rainfall could affect low-lying areas and aggravate waterlogging and flooding concerns in vulnerable districts.
