IMD Issues Yellow Alert for Odisha, Heavy Rain Likely Till July 24
Bhubaneswar: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a yellow weather warning for Odisha, forecasting widespread rainfall, thunderstorms, and gusty winds over the next seven days, with the likelihood of heavy to very heavy downpours in several districts.
According to the midday weather bulletin from the Meteorological Centre in Bhubaneswar, a depression over northwest Madhya Pradesh and adjoining southwest Uttar Pradesh is currently influencing rainfall patterns across eastern India. The monsoon trough, extending from Rajasthan to the northeast Bay of Bengal, is passing through Odisha and enhancing moisture flow into the region.
In addition, the IMD has predicted the formation of a new low-pressure area over the North Bay of Bengal around July 24, which could further intensify rainfall activity across Odisha.
Rainfall Forecast:
- Day 1 (till 8:30 AM, July 19): Light to moderate rain or thundershowers are expected in many parts of Odisha. Thunderstorms accompanied by lightning and gusty winds (30–40 kmph) may occur at isolated places in nearly 20 districts, including Sundargarh, Keonjhar, Angul, Kalahandi, and Mayurbhanj.
- Day 2 to Day 5: Rainfall is expected to increase, particularly across interior Odisha. Districts such as Rayagada, Kandhamal, Koraput, and Gajapati may experience heavy rain, thunderstorms, and gusty winds, while coastal districts are likely to see moderate rainfall and thunderstorms.
- Day 6 (July 23): Rain is forecast at most places in the state, with isolated heavy showers.
- Day 7 (July 24): The rainfall intensity is likely to peak, with heavy to very heavy rainfall at isolated locations, coinciding with the development of the new low-pressure system over the Bay of Bengal.
Advisory:
The IMD has advised residents in vulnerable and low-lying areas to remain alert to the risks of localized flooding, lightning, and strong winds. Farmers, fishermen, and the general public are urged to stay updated with the latest weather forecasts and take all precautionary measures.
Authorities are closely monitoring the evolving situation, and emergency response teams have been kept on standby for any untoward weather-related incidents.
