Bhubaneswar: This year, the monsoon winds are expected to arrive in the state on time, and the overall rainfall is predicted to be normal. According to forecasts, rainfall during the month of June will remain average. However, a decrease in rainfall is expected from mid-July to mid-August. In October, rainfall is likely to increase. These predictions have been made by senior meteorologist Professor Surendranath Pasupalak.
Based on data from an American weather model, he mentioned that the ENSO (El Niño Southern Oscillation) condition is currently in a neutral state. When in neutral, there is no effect from either La Niña or El Niño. La Niña usually increases rainfall, while El Niño causes a decrease. However, under neutral conditions, weather forecasting becomes more challenging. Since there is no El Niño expected ahead, there is little chance of reduced rainfall, which supports the prediction of a normal monsoon.
There are no signs of extreme heat or excessive rainfall this year. The temperature in the equatorial Pacific Ocean is expected to remain normal until the end of the monsoon. Professor Dr. Pasupalak has also made a preliminary assessment that the neutral condition will likely continue even after October.
The weather department has also predicted rainfall in the state due to the effect of Kalbaishakhi (pre-monsoon thunderstorms) until April 18. On Sunday, rainfall accompanied by thunder is expected in Balasore, Bhadrak, Jajpur, Kendrapara, Cuttack, Jagatsinghpur, Mayurbhanj, and Keonjhar, with wind speeds ranging from 30 to 40 km/h. Coastal and southern Odisha are also likely to experience rain.
On April 14, thunderstorm with rain and wind speeds of 40 to 50 km/h is expected in Keonjhar, Mayurbhanj, and Sundargarh. Heavy rainfall is likely in Keonjhar and Mayurbhanj. On Saturday, Baripada recorded 40 mm of rainfall between morning and evening. Rain was also reported in Khordha, Nayagarh, Daringbadi, and Angul.