Bhubaneswar, June 29: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast a week-long spell of widespread rainfall across Odisha, accompanied by thunderstorms, lightning and gusty winds, with several districts likely to experience heavy to very heavy rainfall over the next seven days.

According to the IMD's midday weather bulletin, light to moderate rain or thundershowers are expected across all districts, with rainfall activity likely to intensify from July 1. The weather office has advised residents to remain cautious as thunderstorms accompanied by lightning and surface winds of up to 50 kmph are expected in many parts of the state.

For the next 24 hours, an Orange Warning has been issued for Balasore, Bhadrak, Mayurbhanj, Kandhamal, Rayagada, Koraput, Malkangiri and Gajapati districts. These areas are likely to witness heavy rainfall, thunderstorms with lightning and gusty winds of 40–50 kmph at isolated places. A Yellow Warning has also been issued for several other districts for thunderstorms and strong winds.

The IMD has forecast heavy rainfall over Keonjhar, Mayurbhanj, Kandhamal, Rayagada, Koraput, Malkangiri and Gajapati during June 30–July 1, while widespread rainfall is expected across the state.

Between July 1 and July 3, heavy to very heavy rainfall is likely over Bargarh, Mayurbhanj, Sonepur and Balangir, with Mayurbhanj expected to receive particularly intense rainfall. Thereafter, the focus is expected to shift towards southern Odisha, with Koraput, Malkangiri, Rayagada and Gajapati likely to receive heavy rainfall under successive Orange Warnings until July 6.

The IMD has advised residents, farmers and commuters to remain alert and take necessary precautions during the period of adverse weather.

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