Odisha has recorded 25 per cent excess rainfall during the ongoing southwest monsoon season, receiving 1,154.3 mm of rain as of August 31, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD).
The state has already achieved its normal seasonal rainfall quota nearly a month ahead of schedule. However, rainfall activity is likely to continue through September, particularly over northern Odisha, amid the influence of low-pressure systems.
Well-marked low-pressure area over Gangetic West Bengal
According to the latest IMD update at 5:30 am on September 1, a well-marked low-pressure area over Gangetic West Bengal and adjoining areas of north coastal Odisha and the northwest Bay of Bengal persists over the same region.
The system is likely to move west-northwestwards across north Odisha and Gangetic West Bengal during the next 24 hours, potentially triggering further rainfall over several parts of the state.
IMD rainfall warnings for Odisha
The IMD has issued a red warning for extremely heavy rainfall in Keonjhar and Sundargarh until 8:30 am on September 1.
An orange warning for very heavy rainfall has been issued for Bargarh, Jharsuguda, Sambalpur, Deogarh, Angul and Mayurbhanj.
The remaining 22 districts have been placed under a yellow warning, indicating the possibility of heavy rainfall at several places.
The continuing rain has raised concerns over waterlogging, flooding in low-lying areas and rising water levels in rivers and streams, particularly across northern and western Odisha.
More rain expected in September
IMD Director General Mrutyunjay Mohapatra said rainfall activity is expected to continue over Odisha during September, with northern parts of the state likely to receive normal to above-normal rainfall.
“Today, we have predicted how much rain India will receive in September. As per the prediction, the country will receive less than normal rainfall this month. If Odisha is considered, north part of the state is expected to receive normal to above-normal rainfall. On the other hand, southern Odisha is expected to receive less than normal rainfall. Odisha, so far, has experienced 25 per cent excess rainfall this season,” Mohapatra said.
According to the forecast, southern Odisha may receive below-normal rainfall in September, while the northern region could continue to experience significant rain.
Mohapatra also indicated that the impact of low-pressure systems could persist over Odisha during the month, bringing additional spells of rain.
Odisha remains the only state with above-normal rainfall
The IMD said Odisha is currently the only state in India to have recorded above-normal rainfall this year so far.
The state has witnessed several episodes of heavy rainfall during the monsoon, with intense downpours causing flooding and waterlogging in vulnerable areas. Rising river levels have also added to concerns in flood-prone districts.
With the monsoon expected to remain active in September, authorities and residents in vulnerable parts of northern Odisha are likely to remain on alert, particularly as additional low-pressure systems could influence rainfall patterns in the coming weeks.
