Bhubaneswar, Jul 13: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Monday forecast widespread rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms and lightning across Odisha over the next four days, with several districts placed under heavy to very heavy rainfall alerts.

According to the IMD’s Bhubaneswar Met Centre, Kandhamal district is expected to receive heavy to very heavy rainfall on Tuesday, while isolated heavy showers are likely in Balasore, Bhadrak, Jajpur, Kendrapara, Cuttack, Keonjhar, Mayurbhanj, Sonepur, Boudh, Bolangir, Kalahandi, Rayagada and Nayagarh. Thunderstorms with gusty winds reaching 30–40 kmph are also predicted across coastal and western districts.

On Wednesday, Kendrapara and Gajapati are likely to witness very heavy rainfall, while Balasore, Bhadrak, Jajpur, Jagatsinghpur, Cuttack, Sundargarh, Keonjhar, Mayurbhanj, Kalahandi, Kandhamal, Rayagada and Ganjam may experience heavy showers. Thunderstorms with lightning and strong winds are forecast across western and southern Odisha.

The IMD bulletin further indicated heavy rainfall in Kendrapara and Jagatsinghpur on Thursday, with thunderstorms and lightning expected in Balasore, Bhadrak, Jajpur, Cuttack, Keonjhar, Mayurbhanj, Gajapati, Ganjam, Puri, Khurda and Nayagarh. On Friday, thunderstorms with lightning and gusty winds are likely in Balasore, Bhadrak, Jajpur, Kendrapara, Jagatsinghpur, Cuttack, Keonjhar, Mayurbhanj, Gajapati, Ganjam, Puri, Khurda and Nayagarh.

Authorities have advised residents in vulnerable areas to remain alert for waterlogging and minor flooding. Farmers have been urged to take precautionary measures to protect standing crops, while fishermen have been warned against venturing into the sea due to rough conditions.

The IMD’s extended forecast suggests active monsoon conditions across Odisha, with intensified rainfall activity driven by a low-pressure system over the Bay of Bengal. Officials said district administrations have been asked to monitor vulnerable zones and prepare for emergency response.

The four-day forecast underscores the need for heightened vigilance as Odisha braces for another spell of heavy monsoon showers, with both coastal and interior districts expected to be impacted.