Odisha sees early onset of southwest monsoon with heavy rainfall forecast

Bhubaneswar, May 28: After weeks of intense heat and soaring temperatures, Odisha finally received a welcome respite as the southwest monsoon made its onset on Wednesday, arriving earlier than its usual schedule. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) officially confirmed the monsoon’s entry into parts of southern Odisha, bringing much-needed relief to residents.

As per the IMD, the southwest monsoon has fully advanced into the districts of Malkangiri and Koraput, while also covering several areas in Nabarangpur, Kalahandi, Rayagada, and Gajapati. IMD scientist Umashankar Das confirmed the development via a post on social media platform X, stating that the monsoon winds had reached parts of southern Odisha.

Interestingly, this early arrival of the monsoon is notable. In recent decades, Odisha witnessed similarly early monsoon arrivals on May 28 in 1999 and May 25 in 2009.

Adding to the changing weather pattern, a well-marked low-pressure system has formed over the northwest Bay of Bengal near the Odisha coast. This system is likely to intensify into a depression and move northward gradually.

Due to its influence, heavy to very heavy rainfall is expected across the state in the next 48 hours, accompanied by thunderstorms and wind speeds reaching up to 60 km/h. The IMD has issued alerts, and the Special Relief Commissioner has instructed district authorities to stay on high alert and ensure all precautionary measures are in place.