Bhubaneswar, July 15 (). Amid the annual Rath Yatra starting from Thursday in Odisha, the Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted widespread rain in most parts of the state for the next few days.
IMD Bhubaneswar Director Manorama Mohanty told the media on Wednesday that there is a possibility of heavy rain in the state due to the pronounced low pressure area over the north-west Bay of Bengal and adjoining areas. He said that this system may become stronger and move towards the north.
According to Mohanty, this weather system may become stronger in the next 24 hours. Under its influence, widespread rainfall is likely to occur over most parts of the state for the next three to four days.
He said that on July 15, heavy to very heavy rainfall may occur at some places in many districts, while the possibility of extremely heavy rainfall in some areas cannot be ruled out.
According to IMD, widespread rain is likely to continue in the state on July 16 and 17. During this period, heavy to very heavy rain may occur at some places. The intensity of rain is expected to gradually reduce from July 18, but light to moderate and widespread rain may continue over many districts till July 19.
The Meteorological Department has issued a red alert for Puri and Jagatsinghpur districts till 8:30 am on July 16. The department has warned of heavy to very heavy rain at some places and extremely heavy rain at one or two places in these districts.
Manorama Mohanty said that there is a possibility of heavy, very heavy and extremely heavy rain in Puri. He said that heavy rains may continue in the coastal city of Puri on Thursday also.
IMD has also warned that the sea condition may remain rough to extremely rough in the sea area off the Odisha coast between July 15 and 17. During this period, strong winds can blow at a speed of 40 to 50 kilometers per hour, whose speed can reach up to 60 kilometers per hour with gusts.
The Meteorological Department has advised fishermen not to go into the sea during this period. Also, people of districts prone to heavy rains have been appealed to remain alert and follow the guidelines issued by the local administration.
—
AMT/DKP
