Bhubaneswar: Rain will start in the state from Wednesday. Light rainfall is expected in various places in North and Coastal Odisha. From the 20th, extensive areas of North Odisha are likely to experience rain, according to senior meteorologist Professor Surendra Nath Pashupalak.
According to Professor Pashupalak’s forecast, thunderstorms with lightning may occur in North Odisha from the 20th to the 23rd. During these four days, Bhadrak, Balasore, and Mayurbhanj are expected to receive around 90 mm of rainfall. Jajpur, Keonjhar, and Dhenkanal may receive up to 30 mm of rain. Sundargarh, Jharsuguda, Deogarh, Angul, Kendrapara, and Cuttack may experience rainfall between 5 mm and 15 mm. In Southern Odisha, interior regions of Ganjam, Gajapati, and Phulbani may witness light drizzles.
On the 19th, isolated places in Bhadrak and Mayurbhanj may have cloudy weather with thunderstorms and lightning. On the 20th, extensive areas in Bhadrak, Balasore, and Mayurbhanj are expected to receive 20 to 25 mm of rain. Dhenkanal, Keonjhar, and Jajpur may receive 10 to 20 mm of rainfall. Rainfall is expected to decrease on the 21st, with Bhadrak, Jajpur, and Balasore likely to receive 10 to 15 mm of rain, while Kendrapara and Dhenkanal may receive 5 to 10 mm.
On the 22nd, moderate rain is expected in extensive areas of Bhadrak and Balasore, while on the 23rd, Bhadrak and Kendrapara may experience light to moderate rain. After the evening of the 23rd, rainfall is expected to subside.
Due to the upcoming rain, Professor Pashupalak has advised farmers to ensure proper drainage in paddy fields, moong, black gram, groundnut, and potato fields. There is a risk of leaf blight in potatoes and fungal disease in groundnuts. Mustard crops may also be affected by powdery mildew disease. He has recommended seeking guidance from agricultural science centers for pest and disease control.
The meteorological department has forecast light to moderate rainfall from the 19th to the 24th and has issued a yellow warning until the 22nd.