Low pressure areas over Bay of Bengal may cause heavy rain

Bhubaneswar: Two potential low-pressure areas over the Bay of Bengal could cause widespread heavy rain in most parts of the state till July 18, said IMD.
A cyclonic circulation or low-pressure area may form over the west-central and adjoining northwest Bay of Bengal, with possible northwestward movement between July 7 and 11, said the agency in its extended range forecast from July 5 to July 18.
“There is a possibility of the formation of two low-pressure areas. However, there are chances that they might remain as cyclonic circulations without intensifying into low pressure.
Despite this, widespread rain and thunderstorms, along with isolated heavy to very heavy rainfall, are expected in Odisha during this period, and overall rainfall activity will be normal,” said Manorama Mohanty, director of IMD’s Bhubaneswar centre.
The cumulative rainfall recorded from June 1 to July 7 was 202.6 mm, against the normal value of 276.6 mm. During this period, 13 districts recorded normal rainfall, one district experienced a large deficit, and the remaining 16 districts were in the deficient category.
In the last 24 hours, Baripada recorded a maximum of 92 mm of rainfall, followed by 78 mm at Suliapada, and 60 mm at Jamsolaghat in the district.
Bhubaneswar recorded 52 mm of rainfall between 8.30 am and 5.30 pm on Sunday.