IMD issues 'Extremely Heavy Rainfall' alert for Odisha; warns of intense monsoon activity
Bhubaneswar, July 15
The India Meteorological Department has issued a high alert for several parts of the country, predicting "extremely heavy rainfall" over Odisha and enhanced monsoon activity across 22 states over the next 60 hours, triggered by the likely formation of a low-pressure area over the North Bay of Bengal.
According to the weather office, the system is expected to intensify rainfall and convective activity over East and Northeast India, East Uttar Pradesh, and the Western Himalayan region during the next seven days.
"Under the influence of an upper-air cyclonic circulation over the North Bay of Bengal and adjoining South Bangladesh, a low-pressure area is likely to form during the next 24 hours. This will lead to isolated extremely heavy rainfall over Odisha on July 14 and 15," the IMD stated in its latest bulletin.
In Odisha, parts of Puri have already started witnessing heavy downpours. The IMD has warned of localised flooding, waterlogging in low-lying areas, and disruption of traffic in major cities. Similar conditions are expected in Bihar, which recorded very heavy rainfall (12-20 cm) in the last 24 hours.
For Northeast India, the weather department has issued heavy rainfall warnings for Assam, Meghalaya, and Arunachal Pradesh for the upcoming week. An "extremely heavy" warning is specifically in place for Meghalaya and parts of West Bengal for today.
In the Western Himalayan region, Uttarakhand is expected to see a significant increase in rainfall starting July 15, while Jammu-Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh are likely to experience heavy spells toward the end of the week.
Visuals from Mumbai's Marine Drive showed the city transitioning through the monsoon phase, though the IMD noted that rainfall activity over the plains of Northwest India and South Peninsular India remains subdued for the time being.
Despite the rain in the North and East, the IMD has warned of contrasting weather in the South and East Coast. "Heatwave conditions are likely in isolated pockets over Coastal Andhra Pradesh, Yanam, Tamil Nadu, and Puducherry during July 14-15. Hot and humid weather will prevail over Delhi, Punjab, and Haryana for the next 48 hours," the bulletin added.
The authorities have advised fishermen not to venture into the Arabian Sea and Bay of Bengal off the coasts of Gujarat, Odisha, and West Bengal due to squally weather and high wind speeds reaching up to 60-80 kmph.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Honestly, every year same story. Rivers swell, roads flood, and we still haven't improved drainage systems in major cities. Puri already getting waterlogged? Not surprising. We need long-term planning, not just seasonal warnings. 👍 for IMD though, at least they're alerting us in advance.
Meanwhile, here in Delhi it's just hot and humid. 😅 Monsoon has skipped us entirely! But I feel for Odisha and Assam - extremely heavy rainfall can cause landslides and damage. Hope everyone stays safe and the authorities are proactive with evacuation if needed.
Living in the US now but originally from Odisha - these alerts bring back memories of monsoon season. My parents are in Bhubaneswar and they said it's already pouring cats and dogs. Good to see IMD's forecasting improving over the years. Stay safe everyone!
Important to note that fishermen have been advised to stay ashore. 60-80 kmph winds are no joke. Let's hope the low-pressure area doesn't intensify into a depression. And why is no one talking about heatwave in Andhra and Tamil Nadu? South India needs rain too! 🌧️
From Bhubaneswar here. Roads are already starting to look like swimming pools in some areas. 🏊 The administration should deploy pumps and keep NDRF on standby. One suggestion: please avoid unnecessary travel during these
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