Rainfall to intensify in Odisha as cyclonic systems merge, IMD issues alerts

Bhubaneswar, June 24: Odisha is expected to witness an increase in rainfall intensity from Wednesday as two cyclonic circulations—one over the west-central and adjoining northwest Bay of Bengal off the coasts of north coastal Andhra Pradesh and south Odisha, and the other over south Jharkhand and nearby areas—have merged. This development is likely to enhance rainfall activity across several districts in the coming days.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has placed Mayurbhanj, Balasore, and Keonjhar under an orange warning for June 25–26, anticipating heavy to very heavy rainfall and thunderstorms with gusty winds.

For June 24, a yellow warning has been issued for isolated places in Mayurbhanj, Keonjhar, Sundargarh, Kalahandi, Kandhamal, Boudh, Sonepur, Rayagada, Jagatsinghpur, Kendrapada, Cuttack, and Gajapati, predicting thunderstorms with lightning, gusty winds (30–40 kmph), and heavy rain. Additional areas such as Koraput, Balasore, Bhadrak, Jajpur, and Puri, among others, may also experience thunderstorms and strong winds.

On June 25, heavy rain is likely in Bhadrak, Kendrapada, Jajpur, Sundargarh, Jharsuguda, Sambalpur, Deogarh, Angul, and Dhenkanal. Several coastal and interior districts are also expected to witness thunderstorm activity.

The rain is expected to continue on June 26 and 27, particularly in Mayurbhanj, Keonjhar, Sundargarh, Koraput, Malkangiri, Rayagada, and Gajapati. By June 28, the showers may persist in parts of Mayurbhanj, Jharsuguda, Bargarh, Koraput, and Malkangiri. Authorities advise the public to stay updated and take safety precautions.