The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast another spell of heavy rainfall across Odisha over the next several days, with rain intensity expected to increase from Tuesday. Several districts have been placed on alert for heavy rain, thunderstorms and lightning, while authorities have been asked to remain prepared for any flood-related situation.

According to the weather department, Keonjhar, Mayurbhanj, Bargarh, Sambalpur, Deogarh and Angul are likely to receive heavy rainfall over the next 24 hours. Thunderstorm and lightning warnings have also been issued for Rayagada, Gajapati, Kalahandi, Nabarangpur, Keonjhar, Mayurbhanj and Sundargarh districts.

The IMD has predicted that heavy rainfall may continue across Odisha till August 8, particularly over North Odisha, Interior Odisha and South Odisha. In view of the forecast, the Special Relief Commissioner (SRC) has directed all district collectors and government departments to remain on high alert and ensure advance preparedness.

Cyclonic Circulation May Form Over Bay

Weather officials have indicated the possibility of a cyclonic circulation forming over the Bay of Bengal around August 7, which could further intensify rainfall on August 8 and 9.

The IMD has also forecast widespread heavy rainfall over neighbouring Chhattisgarh between August 4 and August 8. Heavy rainfall in the upper catchment areas could lead to a fresh rise in the Mahanadi river and its tributaries, prompting authorities to closely monitor river levels and prepare for any potential flood situation.

On Tuesday, heavy rainfall is expected in Bargarh, Keonjhar, Mayurbhanj, Kandhamal, Nabarangpur, Rayagada and Koraput districts. From August 5 to August 8, heavy rain is likely at isolated places across both North and South Odisha.

Rainfall Above Normal This Monsoon

The IMD said Odisha has received 30 per cent excess rainfall between June 1 and August 2 compared to the seasonal average.

During the past 24 hours, Deogarh recorded the highest rainfall at 44.2 mm, followed by Talcher (20 mm) and Sambalpur (12 mm).

The weather department said very heavy rainfall has been recorded this monsoon in Bargarh, Subarnapur, Balangir, Boudh, Dhenkanal, Kendrapara, Jagatsinghpur and Puri, while Jharsuguda, Sundargarh, Mayurbhanj, Ganjam, Rayagada, Kalahandi and Koraput have also witnessed heavy rainfall. Only Gajapati, Nabarangpur and Malkangiri continue to report below-normal rainfall.

Flood Situation Continues in Chandbali

Even as rainfall has eased in several places, floodwaters from the upper catchments continue to affect low-lying areas.

In Bhadrak district’s Chandbali block, floodwaters continue to inundate 15 gram panchayats, including Aradi, Sundarpur, Nandapur, Olag, Tentulidihi, Madhapur, Ghatpur and Kheranga.

Although water levels on village roads have started to recede slightly, normal life remains disrupted. Agricultural fields have been severely affected, with nearly 70 per cent of transplanted paddy fields remaining submerged, raising concerns over significant crop losses and the livelihoods of farming communities.

Authorities are closely monitoring the evolving weather situation and have urged residents in vulnerable areas to stay alert and follow official advisories as heavy rainfall is expected to continue over the coming days.

A low-pressure area has formed over the north Bay of Bengal and is currently active over north Odisha and adjoining West Bengal, bringing widespread rainfall across the state. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the system is likely to move northwestwards and intensify further over the next two days.

The weather system, coupled with an upper-air cyclonic circulation extending up to 7.6 km above mean sea level and tilting southwestwards with height, has led to persistent rain in several districts of Odisha.

Meanwhile, rain continued in Puri on Wednesday, a day before the world-famous Rath Yatra, even as the ceremonial Agyanmala ritual was performed for the three chariots amid light showers.

Agyanmala Ritual Completed Amid Rain

Following the completion of the Gopal Ballav and Sakala Dhupa rituals, the sacred Agyanmala from the deities was ceremonially placed on the three chariots by the designated temple servitors.

As per tradition, the chariots are moved from the Rath Khala to the Singhadwara after the Agyanmala ritual. The three chariots are being pulled to the front of the Shree Jagannath Temple, where they will take their final position facing north in preparation for Thursday’s Gundicha Yatra.

Heavy Rain to Continue Till July 18

According to the Regional Meteorological Centre, rainfall activity is expected to continue across Odisha until July 18.

For Puri district, heavy rainfall is forecast for both Wednesday and Thursday. While the district has been placed under a Red Warning for Wednesday due to the possibility of heavy to very heavy rainfall, a Yellow Warning has been issued for Thursday, when the annual Rath Yatra will be held.

Red and Orange Alerts Issued

For Wednesday, the IMD has issued a Red Warning for Puri and Jagatsinghpur districts, indicating the likelihood of heavy to very heavy rainfall.

An Orange Warning has been issued for Bhadrak, Jajpur, Kendrapada, Cuttack, Angul, Dhenkanal, Keonjhar, Mayurbhanj, Boudh, Kandhamal, Khordha, Nayagarh, and Ganjam districts.

Rain Likely During Rath Yatra

The IMD has forecast continued rainfall on Thursday, coinciding with the Rath Yatra celebrations.

An Orange Warning for heavy to very heavy rainfall has been issued for Sundargarh, Jharsuguda, Sambalpur, Deogarh, Angul, Keonjhar, and Mayurbhanj.

A Yellow Warning for heavy rainfall has been issued for Balasore, Jajpur, Kendrapada, Jagatsinghpur, Cuttack, Bargarh, Dhenkanal, Sonepur, Boudh, Puri, Khordha, and Nayagarh districts.

Fishermen Advised Not to Venture Into the Sea

The low-pressure system is expected to keep the sea rough along the Odisha coast. Wind speeds of 40–50 kmph are likely over coastal areas.

In view of the adverse sea conditions, the IMD has advised fishermen not to venture into the sea along the Odisha coast until July 17. Authorities have urged those already at sea to return to the coast at the earliest and advised the public to remain alert as heavy rainfall may lead to waterlogging and localized flooding in vulnerable areas.

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.