Bhubaneswar, 07 August (H.S.) : Odisha is likely to witness a widespread spell of rainfall over the next five days under the influence of an active cyclonic circulation, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) said on Friday.

The weather system is expected to trigger light to moderate rainfall across several parts of the state, accompanied by thunderstorms, lightning and gusty winds.

The IMD has also forecast the formation of another cyclonic circulation over the northwest Bay of Bengal by August 12. Under its influence, northern and coastal districts of Odisha are likely to experience heavy to very heavy rainfall.

Explaining the prevailing synoptic conditions, Bhubaneswar Meteorological Centre Director Manorama Mohanty said an upper-air cyclonic circulation is currently lying over the northwest Bay of Bengal and adjoining north Odisha-Gangetic West Bengal coasts.

Another upper-air cyclonic circulation is positioned over south Gangetic West Bengal and adjoining Bangladesh. These systems are likely to influence weather conditions across Odisha, resulting in widespread light to moderate rainfall.

Mohanty said some areas could receive heavy to very heavy rainfall, with Mayurbhanj among the districts likely to be affected.

She added that thunderstorms and lightning may accompany the rainfall, while gusty winds with speeds of around 30-40 kmph are likely in some areas.

The weather department has advised people to remain cautious during thunderstorms and follow local weather alerts, particularly in districts likely to receive heavy rainfall.

Hindusthan Samachar / Monalisa Panda