Rain dampens Christmas festivities in Odisha, to continue for another 24 hours

Odisha woke up to a drizzling Christmas morning as low-pressure-induced rainfall lashed several locations of the state, especially the coastal districts on Wednesday.  As per the India Meteorological Department’s (IMD) prediction on Tuesday, the rainfall activities will continue for another 24 hours.

As per IMD, light rainfall will continue until tomorrow in districts like Puri, Khordha, Ganjam, Gajapati, Rayagada, Koraput, Malkangiri, and Nabarangpur. Meanwhile, the twin cities of Bhubaneswar and Cuttack also reeled under mist and intermittent light to moderate rainfall since yesterday.

However, the wet weather conditions across the state are expected to improve from December 26, with dry conditions taking over. Thereafter, mercury is expected to drop by 2 to 3 degrees Celsius in the next 3 days after tomorrow, as per a forecast by the Regional Meteorological Centre in Bhubaneswar.

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While no specific rainfall warnings were further issued by the Meteorological Department, a shallow to moderate fog warning was issued for isolated places in Keonjhar district.

The untimely spell dampened planned Christmas festivities at many places as rain-soaked roads and near-continuous drizzle spoiled outdoor plans. Regardless of it, string lights and decorations adorned churches across Odisha as midnight prayers, masses, and carols were observed today.

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Meanwhile, unseasonal rainfall also damaged paddy crops in many places. Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari assured affected farmers on Tuesday that crop damages are being actively carried out and will be completed in the next three to four days following which compensation will be disbursed.