Bhubaneswar, Aug 26: Several parts of Odisha are likely to experience heavy rainfall over the next week, with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) issuing weather warnings for different districts until September 2.
The forecast includes periods of heavy to very heavy rain, thunderstorms, lightning and gusty winds. Some districts have been placed under Orange warnings, while others are covered by Yellow alerts.
Rainfall is expected to remain active in northern Odisha on August 27 and 28, particularly in districts such as Balasore, Bhadrak, Mayurbhanj and Keonjhar. Thunderstorms with lightning and winds of around 30–40 kmph are also possible in several areas.
The weather could become more intense from August 30. An Orange warning has been issued for parts of Angul, Keonjhar and Mayurbhanj, where heavy to very heavy rainfall is possible.
On August 31, the Orange alert extends to Sundargarh, Sambalpur, Deogarh, Angul, Keonjhar and Mayurbhanj. A number of other districts are also expected to receive heavy rain during this period.
The IMD has forecast another spell of heavy to very heavy rainfall on September 1 in districts including Sundargarh, Angul, Keonjhar, Mayurbhanj, Balangir, Kalahandi and Nabarangpur. Several other districts remain under a Yellow warning.
Rainfall is expected to continue on September 2, with a Yellow warning covering a wide area of the state, including Balasore, Bhadrak, Jajpur, Cuttack, Kendrapara, Jagatsinghpur, Sambalpur, Bargarh, Dhenkanal, Puri, Khordha and Nayagarh.
Along with rain, thunderstorms may bring strong winds, with speeds reaching 40–50 kmph in some locations.
The extended spell of wet weather could lead to waterlogging in low-lying areas and affect local travel in places that receive intense rainfall. Residents are advised to stay updated with local weather alerts and take caution during thunderstorms, particularly when lightning is active.
The forecast indicates that Odisha will remain under an unsettled weather pattern through the beginning of September, with the heaviest rainfall expected in parts of northern, central and western districts.