IMD forecasts heavy rain across Odisha

Bhubaneswar, July 20 (SocialNews.XYZ) The India Meteorological Department (IMD), Bhubaneswar, on Monday predicted widespread rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms, lightning and gusty winds across Odisha over the next three days.

IMD Bhubaneswar Director Manorama Mohanty informed that scattered to fairly widespread rainfall was recorded across the state during the past 24 hours, with the highest rainfall of 119.6 mm reported in Dhenkanal district.

She stated that light to moderate rain or thundershowers are very likely at many places across several districts in Odisha during the next 24 hours. Isolated places are also likely to experience heavy rainfall, accompanied by thunderstorms, lightning and gusty surface winds reaching 30–40 kmph.

The weather agency has issued a yellow warning to Sundargarh, Kendujhar and Mayurbhanj, predicting heavy rainfall at one or two places in these districts on July 21.

Mohanty said heavy rainfall is expected to continue over several districts during the subsequent 48 hours, with coastal as well as interior districts likely to receive significant precipitation. Thunderstorms with lightning and gusty winds are also expected to persist during this period.

The IMD has advised people, especially those in vulnerable and low-lying areas, to remain alert and take necessary precautions during thunderstorms and heavy rainfall. Fishermen have also been advised to keep track of the latest weather updates before venturing into the sea.

According to the IMD forecast, rainfall activity is expected to continue across Odisha for the next couple of days, with isolated heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, lightning and gusty winds likely in several districts.

The weather office said it is closely monitoring the evolving weather system and will issue further updates as required.

Continuous rainfall under the influence of a low-pressure system has already led to waterlogging in several low-lying areas of Dhenkanal, Kataka and other coastal districts of Odisha.

Connectivity to several villages in the central and coastal districts has been disrupted after roads were washed away following river breaches. Heavy rainfall has also damaged vegetable crops and other standing crops, causing severe distress to farmers in many parts of the state.

Source: IANS