BHUBANESWAR: Odisha may face a challenging monsoon season this year, with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) indicating the possibility of below-normal rainfall across parts of the state during the June–September southwest monsoon period.
According to IMD’s seasonal outlook, the Monsoon Core Zone (MCZ), which includes large parts of Odisha, is expected to receive below-normal rainfall. Meteorologists attribute the forecast largely to the influence of the climatic phenomenon known as El Niño, which often weakens monsoon activity over the Indian subcontinent by altering atmospheric and oceanic circulation patterns.
Weather experts have also projected fewer low-pressure systems over the Bay of Bengal this season. Such systems typically contribute significantly to monsoon rainfall in eastern India, including Odisha, and a reduction in their frequency could adversely affect precipitation levels.
IMD Director General Mrutyunjay Mohapatra indicated that northern districts of Odisha may be more vulnerable to below-normal rainfall, while central and southern regions could experience comparatively better rainfall distribution.
Adding to the concerns, the state is expected to witness above-normal temperatures and a higher number of heatwave days during June. The combination of reduced rainfall and elevated temperatures could pose challenges for agriculture, water resource management and rural livelihoods.
As agriculture in Odisha remains heavily dependent on monsoon rains, officials and farmers will closely monitor rainfall patterns in the coming months. Experts note that while seasonal forecasts provide a broad outlook, actual rainfall distribution can vary significantly across regions depending on evolving weather systems during the monsoon season.
-OdishaAge
