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.

IMD Issues Orange Alert for Western Odisha

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an Orange Alert for severe heatwave conditions in six districts of Odisha for the next 24 hours. The districts under alert are Sambalpur, Sonepur, Boudh, Balangir, Nuapada, and Kalahandi. Jharsuguda has been placed under a Yellow Warning for heatwave conditions.

At the same time, the weather department has warned of hot and humid weather conditions in 11 coastal districts — Ganjam, Gajapati, Nayagarh, Khordha, Puri, Cuttack, Jagatsinghpur, Kendrapara, Jajpur, Bhadrak, and Balasore.

Thunderstorm and Rain Warning in 8 Districts

The IMD has also issued an Orange Alert for thunderstorm activity accompanied by lightning and rainfall in eight districts — Cuttack, Jagatsinghpur, Kendrapara, Jajpur, Bhadrak, Balasore, Mayurbhanj, and Keonjhar.

According to the forecast, Kalbaisakhi thunderstorms are expected to continue across Odisha till June 2. Heavy rainfall activity is likely on May 29 and 30.

Strong winds with speeds of 40 to 50 kmph, gusting up to 60 kmph, are expected along the northern coastal Odisha region. Due to rough sea conditions, fishermen have been advised not to venture into the sea on May 28 and 29.

Kalbaisakhi Brings Relief from Scorching Heat

After nearly two weeks of intense heat and humidity, people across Odisha finally received some relief on Wednesday evening as Kalbaisakhi storms lashed several parts of the state.

Heavy rainfall and gusty winds brought down temperatures by 8 to 10 degrees Celsius within an hour in many places. Rain and thunderstorms were reported from Rourkela, Bhubaneswar, Berhampur, Cuttack, Puri, Keonjhar, Dhenkanal, Bhadrak, Boudh, Mayurbhanj, and Nuapada among others.

Damage Reported in Several Districts

Despite providing relief from the heat, the storms caused widespread damage in several areas and disrupted power supply.

In Athmallik area of Angul district, a woman died after a tree fell on her house during the storm.

In Keonjhar district, strong winds uprooted trees and electric poles. Areas including Keonjhar town, Jhumpara, Ghatgaon, and Patna block witnessed heavy rain, while some places also experienced hailstorms.

In Boudh district, a woman identified as Hemabati Sandha of Dumalapali village under Kantamal area sustained serious injuries after the wall of her house collapsed during the storm.

Impact on Jagannath Temple in Puri

The Kalbaisakhi storm also affected the Shree Jagannath Temple in Puri. Due to strong winds, the sacred Patitapabana Bana flying atop the temple’s shrine was partially torn. Several decorative and “Manasika Bana” flags tied near the Nilachakra were also damaged in the storm.

The sudden change in weather has brought temporary relief to residents, but authorities continue to remain on alert as thunderstorms and heavy rain are expected to continue over the coming days.