A weak monsoon condition is prevailing over most parts of Odisha. In the month of June, the state witnessed an average cumulative rainfall of 181.3mm. HR Biswas, director of the regional centre of the India Meteorological Department (IMD), informed that the state has experienced a deficit rainfall of 17 per cent in the month of June.
Around 14 districts have recorded deficit rainfall while rainfall was normal or a little above normal in 16 other districts. Four districts - Puri, Koraput, Kendrapara, Cuttack - have recorded excess rainfall while Bhadrak, Gajapati, Ganjam districts witnessed rainfall deficiency of more than 40% in June.
However, July has begun with prediction of heavy rainfall accompanied by thunderstorm and lightning with the meteorological department issuing a yellow warning in as many as 22 districts. Heavy showers will lash few places in Koraput, Malkangiri, Deogarh, Sambalpur, Sundergarh, Dhenkanal, Angul and Cuttack in the next 24 hours.
Similarly, one or two places in Balasore, Bhadrak, Jajpur, Kendrapara, Cuttack, Jagatsinghpur, Puri, Khordha, Nayagarh, Ganjam, Gajapati, Keonjhar, Mayurbhanj, Sundergarh, Sambalpur, Deogarh, Angul, Dhenkanal, Kandhamal, Rayagada, Koraput and Malkangiri will witness thunderstorm and rainfall activity during the period.
Dry spells are expected to continue over rest of the districts.