Bhubaneswar, Jul 20: Odisha is set to experience intense rainfall activity over the next three days due to the influence of a cyclonic circulation. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued yellow warnings for several districts, cautioning residents about heavy showers and thunderstorms accompanied by gusty winds.

In the next 24 hours, heavy rainfall is likely in Jagatsinghpur, Kendrapara, Cuttack, Dhenkanal, Jajpur, Mayurbhanj, Keonjhar, and Sundargarh. These eight districts have been placed under a yellow alert for heavy rain.

Additionally, Gajapati, Ganjam, Nayagarh, Khordha, Puri, Angul, Boudh, Sambalpur, Jharsuguda, Bargarh, Balasore, and Bhadrak are expected to witness thunderstorms with lightning and wind speeds ranging between 30-40 kmph. These 12 districts too remain under yellow warning.

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On Tuesday, heavy rainfall is forecast for Sundargarh, Keonjhar, and Mayurbhanj, while thunderstorms with lightning and gusty winds are likely in Gajapati, Ganjam, Nayagarh, Khordha, Puri, Cuttack, Kendrapara, Jagatsinghpur, Jajpur, Bhadrak, and Balasore.

The IMD has extended the yellow warning for these districts until July 22 for heavy rainfall and July 24 for thunderstorms and lightning.

Since June 1, Odisha has recorded 469.4 mm of rainfall, compared to the normal average of 407.5 mm, marking a 12% surplus. In the last 24 hours, several districts received significant rainfall, with Dhenkanal recording the highest at 119.6 mm. Five districts reported heavy rainfall Sunday, while 13 districts are expected to witness very heavy showers in the coming days.

The state, meanwhile, reels under soaring food inflation as relentless rains devastate crops, slashing supplies and doubling prices. Okra now sells at ₹60‑80 per kg, cowpea at ₹70, spine gourd at ₹80, brinjal at ₹80, and cauliflower above ₹60, straining household budgets statewide.