Heavy rain alert in most parts of Odisha

BHUBANESWAR: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Sunday issued a yellow warning for heavy rain in most parts of the state over the next 24 hours.

"Southwest monsoon is active in the state and has covered almost all districts. The intensity of rain is likely to increase from Wednesday. Thunderstorm and lightning will occur in most parts of the state with gusty winds reaching 30 to 40 km per hour," said Manorama Mohanty, director of IMD's Bhubaneswar centre.

The cyclonic circulation over interior Odisha, now over south Chhattisgarh, is causing the widespread rainfall across the state, read the IMD bulletin. The yellow warning for heavy rainfall is likely to continue till June 28.

Odisha has recorded 88.7 mm rainfall since June, which was 39% less than normal. While five districts, including Malkangiri, Nabarangpur, Kandhamal, Dhenkanal, and Jagatsinghpur, have received normal rainfall so far, 22 districts are experiencing a deficit ranging from 20% to 59%. Four districts - Mayurbhanj, Balasore, Puri and Balangir - have large deficit, exceeding 60%, IMD sources said.

From 8.30 am to 5.30 pm on Sunday, Chandbali recorded the highest rainfall at 31.2 mm, followed by Baripada at 15.2 mm. Most parts of the state experienced cloudy weather, with Bhubaneswar recording light rain of 3.2 mm. The capital city recorded a day temperature of 34.4 degrees Celsius, with humidity levels ranging between 70% and 90%.