The weather in Odisha is anticipated to change significantly as the festive season approaches.

The regional office of the India Meteorological Department (IMD) in Bhubaneswar has announced that a new wave of rainfall, accompanied by thunderstorms and lightning, will impact various regions of the state for five days starting October 14.

Yellow Warning and Impacted Areas

The weather agency has issued a yellow alert indicating light to moderate rainfall and thunderstorms across multiple districts. Until the morning of October 15, areas such as Balasore, Bhadrak, Jajpur, Kendrapara, Jagatsinghpur, Cuttack, Keonjhar, Mayurbhanj, Kandhamal, Rayagada, Koraput, Malkangiri, Gajapati, Ganjam, Puri, Khordha, and Nayagarh are likely to experience rainfall.

These wet conditions, which include lightning, thunder, and surface winds reaching speeds of up to 40 km/h, are expected to continue until Sunday, October 18. Coastal and southern districts, particularly Gajapati, Ganjam, Puri, Khordha, and Nayagarh, face heightened risks of lightning and strong winds. However, conditions are projected to improve significantly from Monday onward, with rainfall expected to decrease and clearer skies likely to return.

Monsoon Withdrawal and Low-Pressure Area

Dr. Rajashree VPM, a scientist at the regional meteorological center, noted that the southwest monsoon is currently withdrawing from the state. The monsoon has fully receded from western and interior districts, including Sundargarh, Jharsuguda, Sambalpur, Deogarh, Sonepur, Bargarh, Nuapada, Balangir, Kalahandi, and Nabarangpur, while partial withdrawal is still ongoing in other areas.

At the same time, a low-pressure system has developed over the southeast Bay of Bengal. IMD forecasts suggest that this system will move west-northwest and strengthen into a depression, affecting weather conditions in Odisha and adjacent coastal regions. Although this rain may cause temporary inconveniences, it offers much-needed relief from recent humid weather.