A cyclonic circulation is likely to form over the Bay of Bengal on Monday, raising the possibility of increased rainfall across Odisha from July 15. However, meteorologists say it is still unclear whether the system will strengthen into a low-pressure area.

According to noted meteorologist Sarat Chandra Sahu, the weather system is expected to move northwestward by July 16 towards West Bengal or the Odisha–Jharkhand border. If it intensifies further, it could develop into a low-pressure area around July 17, triggering widespread and heavy rainfall over northern and western Odisha.

Districts including Mayurbhanj, Keonjhar, Sundargarh, Jharsuguda, Bargarh, Sambalpur, and Balangir are expected to receive the heaviest rainfall if the system strengthens as forecast.

Despite the expected increase in rainfall across the state, Puri is unlikely to witness significant rain during the Rath Yatra festivities, Sahu said.

For Monday, only isolated light showers are likely over a few districts of Odisha.

Monsoon Continues to Batter Several States

Meanwhile, the southwest monsoon continues to wreak havoc across several parts of India. Heavy rainfall has disrupted normal life in Delhi, Mumbai, Uttarakhand, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, and Bihar, prompting the India Meteorological Department (IMD) to issue alerts for multiple states.

The situation remains particularly severe in Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh, where incessant rain has triggered landslides and blocked more than 120 roads, including the Yamunotri National Highway. Several pilgrims and tourists have been stranded due to road closures caused by landslides.

In Delhi and Mumbai, heavy rain has inundated roads, leading to widespread traffic disruptions and waterlogging.

Flood-like conditions have also been reported from Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and Rajasthan, where rising river levels have prompted authorities to advise residents to remain vigilant.

The IMD has warned that heavy to very heavy rainfall is likely to continue across several parts of the country over the next two to three days, and has urged people in vulnerable areas to follow official weather advisories and take necessary precautions.