Odisha has recorded 26% above-normal rainfall during the ongoing monsoon season, with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasting another spell of widespread rain across the state over the next five days.
The Regional Meteorological Centre (RMC), Bhubaneswar, has issued an Orange Warning for Mayurbhanj district, while Yellow Warnings have been issued for several other districts as heavy rainfall, thunderstorms and gusty winds are expected to continue until August 10.
Orange Alert for Mayurbhanj
According to the IMD, Mayurbhanj is likely to experience heavy rainfall at one or two places on Wednesday, prompting the issuance of an Orange Warning.
Residents have been advised to remain alert as intense rainfall could lead to waterlogging and temporary disruptions in vulnerable areas.
Yellow Warning Issued for 13 Districts
The weather department has also issued a Yellow Warning for the following districts:
- Sundargarh
- Keonjhar
- Mayurbhanj
- Kandhamal
- Nabarangpur
- Rayagada
- Koraput
- Malkangiri
- Nuapada
- Jharsuguda
- Ganjam
- Gajapati
- Kalahandi
These districts are likely to receive isolated heavy rainfall, accompanied by thunderstorms and lightning.
Rain Forecast Till August 10
The IMD has predicted scattered to fairly widespread rainfall across Odisha through August 10.
For August 7 and 8, heavy rainfall is expected at isolated places in several districts of south Odisha, prompting additional Yellow Warnings.
Weather activity is expected to vary across districts, with intermittent spells of moderate to heavy rain over the coming days.
Thunderstorms and Gusty Winds Expected
Manorama Mohanty, Director of the Regional Meteorological Centre, Bhubaneswar, said light to moderate rainfall is likely across many parts of the state during the next 24 hours.
She added that some areas may experience:
- Thunderstorms accompanied by lightning
- Gusty surface winds of 30–40 kmph
- Heavy to very heavy rainfall at isolated locations, especially in Mayurbhanj
Heavy rainfall is also likely at isolated places in Malkangiri, Koraput, Nabarangpur, Kalahandi, Rayagada, Gajapati, Ganjam, Kandhamal, Nuapada, Sundargarh, Jharsuguda and Keonjhar.
IMD Advises People to Stay Alert
The IMD has urged residents, particularly those living in low-lying and flood-prone areas, to remain cautious during the forecast period.
Heavy rainfall may result in:
- Waterlogging in urban and low-lying areas
- Reduced visibility during heavy showers
- Localised traffic disruptions
- Temporary inconvenience due to thunderstorms and strong winds
People have also been advised to follow weather updates issued by local authorities and avoid unnecessary travel during periods of intense rainfall.
