Bhubaneswar, July 28: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast widespread rainfall and thunderstorm activity across Odisha over the next five days, issuing a Red Warning for four western districts on July 29 as the southwest monsoon remains active over the region.

According to the latest weather bulletin, Sundargarh, Jharsuguda, Bargarh and Sambalpur have been placed under a Red Warning, with extremely heavy rainfall expected at one or two places. The IMD has urged residents in these districts to remain vigilant and take all necessary precautions as intense rain may lead to waterlogging, reduced visibility and disruption of normal life.

An Orange Warning has been issued for Balasore, Bhadrak, Jajpur, Deogarh, Angul, Dhenkanal, Keonjhar, Mayurbhanj, Subarnapur, Boudh, Nuapada and Balangir, where heavy to very heavy rainfall is likely. Thunderstorms accompanied by lightning and gusty winds are also expected. Wind speeds may reach 50-60 kmph in Sundargarh, Jharsuguda, Bargarh and Sambalpur, while gusts of 40-50 kmph are likely in several northern and central districts.

Meanwhile, a Yellow Warning has been issued for Kendrapara, Jagatsinghpur, Cuttack, Kalahandi, Kandhamal, Nabarangpur, Koraput, Malkangiri, Puri, Khordha and Nayagarh, where heavy rain and thunderstorms with wind speeds of 30-40 kmph are expected at isolated places.

For July 30, Bargarh will remain under an Orange Warning, while Jharsuguda, Sambalpur, Subarnapur, Nuapada, Balangir, Kalahandi and Nabarangpur will continue to experience heavy rainfall under a Yellow Warning.

The IMD said rainfall intensity is likely to reduce gradually from July 31 to August 2, although thunderstorms with lightning and gusty winds are expected to continue over several coastal, northern and southern districts. People have been advised to avoid unnecessary travel during severe weather, stay away from vulnerable structures and waterlogged areas, and keep track of official weather updates and local advisories.

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