Bhubaneswar: The Regional Centre of India Meteorological Department (IMD) here predicted that the pre-monsoon rains in Odisha under the influence of Nor'wester this year is likely to be the highest in the past five years.
According to the IMD department, the highest amount of Nor'wester rainfall was recorded at 148.7 mm between the months of March and May 2014, followed by 110.7 mm rainfall in 2015, 98.7 mm in 2016 and 93.8 mm in 2017.
However, by the third week of May this year, the amount of rainfall stood at 141.3 mm and it is expected that by the end of the month, the 2014 record will be broken.
The months spanning from March till May are categorised as pre-monsoon where the effect of Nor'wester is very high. In the last 5 years, the highest amount of pre-monsoon rain was recorded at 148.7 mm in 2014. This year by May 21, Odisha has witnessed 141.3 mm rain.
- said Bhubaneswar Meteorological Department Director, Sarat Chandra Sahu.
"Highest Nor'wester rainfall has been recorded in Mayurbhanj and Balasore districts as initially the clouds are formed in these districts," added Sahu.
Pre-monsoon rainfall is likely to increase in the State from May 23 and 24. The amount of pre-monsoon rainfall is expected to increase by 100 mm this year and is likely to cross the 200 mm mark, Sahu further stated.