Bhubaneswar, Jun 24: The southwest monsoon has become active across Odisha, bringing widespread rainfall accompanied by Kalbaishakhi showers. However, under the influence of El Niño, the state has so far recorded below‑normal rainfall, with several districts reporting deficits of up to 60 percent.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an orange alert for Nabarangpur and Malkangiri districts, forecasting heavy rainfall over the next two days. Keonjhar, Mayurbhanj, Balasore, Koraput, and Rayagada are also expected to receive intense showers. Thunderstorms with lightning and wind speeds of 50–60 kmph are likely in these regions, prompting yellow warnings.

Fifteen districts including Ganjam, Gajapati, Khordha, Puri, Kendrapara, Jagatsinghpur, Cuttack, Bhadrak, Sundargarh, Jharsuguda, Bargarh, Balangir, Nuapada, and Balasore have been placed under yellow warning for thunderstorms with gusty winds of 40 kmph. For June 25, IMD has predicted heavy rainfall in Malkangiri, Koraput, Nabarangpur, Kalahandi, Rayagada, and Nuapada, with thunderstorms and winds up to 60 kmph.
Also Read: Monsoon Covers Odisha; Heavy Rain to Lash Southern Districts

Additional warnings have been issued for Khordha and Nayagarh districts, where thunderstorms with lightning are expected within the next three hours. Rainfall activity is likely to continue across Odisha until June 28.

In the past 24 hours, scattered showers were recorded, with Mayurbhanj’s Bijatala receiving the highest rainfall at 58 mm. Light showers were reported in Sundargarh, Puri, and Balasore, reflecting the uneven distribution of rain across the state.