A depression crossed the north Odisha coast near Balasore and is expected to continue moving west-northwest over the next 24 hours, passing through northern Odisha, adjoining southern Jharkhand, and northern Chhattisgarh, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD).
The weather system has triggered widespread heavy rainfall across the state, prompting the IMD to issue a Red Warning for Sambalpur, Bargarh, Balangir, Nuapada, Angul, Boudh, Subarnapur (Sonepur), and Kandhamal districts until 8:30 AM today. These districts are likely to experience very heavy to extremely heavy rainfall.
An Orange Alert has also been issued for Sundargarh, Jharsuguda, Deogarh, Keonjhar, Dhenkanal, Cuttack, Nayagarh, Ganjam, Gajapati, Rayagada, Kalahandi, and Koraput, where heavy to very heavy rainfall is expected.
Rainfall Above Normal Across Odisha
The IMD said Odisha has received 4% above-normal rainfall so far during the ongoing monsoon season. While 11 districts have recorded excess rainfall, another 11 districts have received normal rainfall. However, six districts continue to report rainfall deficiency despite the recent downpours.
Among all districts, Boudh and Kandhamal have recorded the highest rainfall during the current spell.
Strong Winds, Rough Sea Conditions
The weather department has also warned of strong winds of 45–55 kmph, gusting up to 65 kmph, along the Odisha coast. Sea conditions are expected to remain rough, and fishermen have been advised not to venture into the sea until July 7.
Bhubaneswar Records Over 100 mm Rain in 24 Hours
The state capital, Bhubaneswar, witnessed intense rainfall, receiving 112.3 mm of rain in the last 24 hours, crossing the 100 mm mark.
The city’s average rainfall for the entire month of July is 341.4 mm. However, in just the first five days of the month, Bhubaneswar has already recorded 155.2 mm of rainfall, which is nearly 45% of its monthly average. This rainfall is 234% above the normal expected for the corresponding period.
Rainfall Deficit Persists in Six Districts
Despite the ongoing heavy rain, six districts continue to remain rainfall-deficient during the current southwest monsoon season (June 1 to July 5).
The rainfall deficit stands at:
- Sundargarh – 41%
- Nabarangpur – 37%
- Kalahandi – 34%
- Deogarh – 31%
- Jharsuguda – 28%
- Sambalpur – 21%
Authorities are closely monitoring the evolving weather situation, with heavy rainfall expected to continue in several parts of Odisha over the next 24 hours as the depression moves further inland.