Bhubaneswar, Aug 5: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Wednesday forecast widespread rainfall across Odisha over the next seven days, issuing an Orange Warning for Mayurbhanj district for heavy to very heavy rainfall while cautioning people in several parts of the state about thunderstorms, lightning and gusty surface winds.

According to the IMD’s midday weather bulletin, light to moderate rain or thundershowers are likely at most places in western, northern and southern Odisha and at many places in the coastal districts till Thursday morning. Mayurbhanj has been placed under an Orange Warning, with the possibility of heavy to very heavy rainfall at one or two places. A Yellow Warning has also been issued for Kendujhar, Sundargarh, Sambalpur, Kalahandi, Kandhamal, Rayagada, Koraput, Malkangiri, Gajapati and Ganjam for heavy rainfall. Thunderstorms accompanied by lightning and gusty winds of 30–40 kmph are also expected across several districts.

The IMD said the rainfall activity is likely to intensify on Thursday, with light to moderate rain or thundershowers forecast across almost the entire state. Orange Warnings for heavy to very heavy rainfall will remain in force for Kendujhar and Mayurbhanj, while thunderstorms and gusty winds are expected to continue.

On Friday, heavy rainfall is likely at isolated places in Baleswar, Bhadrak, Sundargarh, Jharsuguda, Kendujhar and Mayurbhanj under a Yellow Warning. Similar weather conditions are expected to persist through the weekend.

The IMD has also forecast heavy rainfall over Sundargarh, Kendujhar and Mayurbhanj on August 8. On August 9, Mayurbhanj is again likely to witness heavy to very heavy rainfall under an Orange Warning, while heavy rain is also expected in Jajpur, Dhenkanal, Rayagada, Gajapati and Ganjam. The weather office has advised residents, particularly those in vulnerable and low-lying areas, to remain alert and take necessary precautions against heavy rain, lightning and strong winds.

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