Low-Pressure System May Trigger Widespread Rainfall Across Odisha During Rath Yatra: IMD

Bhubaneswar: Odisha is likely to witness an increase in rainfall activity during the ongoing Rath Yatra period as a fresh low-pressure system is expected to develop over the Bay of Bengal, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has said.

According to the weather agency’s latest forecast, a cyclonic circulation is likely to take shape over the Bay of Bengal around July 13 or 14. The system is expected to strengthen into a low-pressure area by July 17 over the northwest Bay of Bengal and adjoining Odisha-West Bengal coast, leading to widespread rainfall across the state.

The IMD has predicted scattered rain in several parts of Odisha between July 9 and July 15. Heavy to very heavy rainfall is likely in a few districts on July 13 and 14, while northern Odisha is expected to receive light to moderate showers from July 10 to July 12.

For July 10, districts including Balasore, Bhadrak, Sundargarh, Jharsuguda, Sambalpur, Deogarh, Angul, Kendujhar, Mayurbhanj and Boudh are likely to experience rainfall. Similar weather conditions are expected on July 11 in Balasore, Bhadrak, Sundargarh, Kendujhar and Mayurbhanj.

Over the last 24 hours, light rainfall has been recorded in Baripada, Paradip and Kendrapara, indicating the gradual increase in monsoon activity.

The IMD further stated that although overall rainfall across the country during July is expected to remain below the seasonal average, Kerala and parts of East-Central India, including Odisha, are likely to receive above-normal precipitation in the coming days.