IMD Warns of Extremely Heavy Rain in Odisha Amid Intensifying Monsoon Conditions

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a high-impact weather alert, forecasting extremely heavy rainfall in Odisha and intensified monsoon activity across 22 states over the next 60 hours. The expected change in weather is linked to the likely formation of a low-pressure system over the North Bay of Bengal.

According to the IMD, the developing weather system is expected to strengthen rainfall and thunderstorm activity across East and Northeast India, eastern Uttar Pradesh, and the Western Himalayan region over the coming week. In its latest weather bulletin, the IMD said an upper-air cyclonic circulation over the North Bay of Bengal and adjoining southern Bangladesh is likely to develop into a low-pressure area within the next 24 hours. As a result, isolated locations in Odisha are expected to receive extremely heavy rainfall on July 14 and 15.

Several parts of Odisha, including Puri, have already experienced intense showers. Authorities have cautioned that continued rainfall could lead to waterlogging, localized flooding, and traffic disruptions, especially in low-lying urban areas. Meanwhile, Bihar has witnessed very heavy rainfall, with several places recording 12 to 20 cm of rain in the past 24 hours. The IMD has also forecast heavy rainfall across Assam, Meghalaya, and Arunachal Pradesh throughout the week. Additionally, an extremely heavy rainfall warning has been issued for Meghalaya and parts of West Bengal.

In northern India, rainfall is expected to intensify over the Western Himalayan region. Uttarakhand is likely to receive increased rainfall from July 15, while Jammu and Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh could experience heavy showers later in the week. Although monsoon showers have reached Mumbai, with changing weather visible along Marine Drive, the IMD noted that rainfall over the northwestern plains and South Peninsular India is expected to remain relatively subdued for now.

At the same time, the weather department has highlighted the possibility of heatwave conditions in isolated areas of Coastal Andhra Pradesh, Yanam, Tamil Nadu, and Puducherry on July 14 and 15. Delhi, Punjab, and Haryana are also likely to experience hot and humid weather over the next two days. The IMD has further advised fishermen to avoid venturing into the Arabian Sea and the Bay of Bengal, particularly along the coasts of Gujarat, Odisha, and West Bengal, as strong winds of 60 to 80 kmph and rough sea conditions are expected.