Monsoon arrives, heavy rain predicted

Bhubaneswar: The southwest monsoon reached the State today covering Malkangiri and a portion of Koraput districts in the southern region and would be activated across the State in the next three days.

"As expected, the southwest monsoon has reached the State on June 13. We had predicted onset of monsoon anytime between June 13 and June 15," a senior IMD official said.

The monsoon would be activated across the State in the next three days, he said.

Today's monsoon shower has covered entire Malkangiri district and some portions of adjoining Koraput district, a statement issued by the IMD said.

Meanwhile, the IMD predicted heavy rainfall at one or two places during the next 48 hours and normal rainfall till June 22.

"However, the intensity of rainfall will increase from June 16 as all favourable conditions are prevailing in the state. The southern region will receive heavy rainfall next week," S.C .Sahu, IMD director, Bhubaneswar, said.

The state experienced a long spell of grueling summer heat and recorded 44 sunstroke deaths this year.