Bhubaneswar, May 27: Rainfall activity is set to intensify across several parts of Odisha over the next five days, as a low-pressure area is likely to form over the west-central and adjoining Bay of Bengal around May 27, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) reported on Sunday.
While the IMD confirmed there is no threat of a cyclone, it forecast widespread rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms and lightning from May 25 to 31. An orange alert has been issued for multiple districts, including Cuttack, Khurda, Puri, Jagatsinghpur, Mayurbhanj, Keonjhar, and Rayagada, warning of gusty winds reaching speeds of 40–50 kmph, gusting up to 60 kmph, and heavy rainfall during the afternoon and evening hours.
The IMD has advised fishermen not to venture into the deep sea from May 28, as squally weather with wind speeds of 35–45 kmph is expected over the central and north Bay of Bengal. Sea conditions are likely to remain moderate to rough.
People are urged to stay alert, seek shelter during thunderstorms, and follow traffic advisories in urban areas. The IMD has also advised farmers to regulate crop harvesting and use protective measures like hail nets to shield vegetables and crops from potential hailstorms.
While rains are likely across all 30 districts on Monday, the IMD has not yet announced the expected date for the southwest monsoon’s arrival in Odisha, stating it will come only after covering the Northeast and southern parts of the country.