Post News Network
Bhubaneswar, June 5: The southwest monsoon has finally hit the southern parts of the country Friday and may enter the state by June 13.
The monsoon, which hit Kerala, has already spread to adjoining Lakshadweep and Karnataka, as well as a few parts of Tamil Nadu and coastal Andhra Pradesh. It is likely spread further till Telengana and other parts of Andhra Pradesh in the next 24 hours.
The Meteorological Centre here has said that the state is likely to experience pre-monsoon rain over the next 48 hours.
“Currently, the state is witnessing pre-monsoon rain. We have again predicted rain will lash most parts of the state in the next 24 hours. Heavy rain could occur at one or two places, while the other parts may witness light to moderate rainfall,” said Met director Sarat Sahu.
if the current spell of rain lasts for another 72 hours, the monsoon could enter the state by June 8, Sahu said.
“The ongoing condition is favourable for the onset of monsoon, but it might be hampered because of the possible formation of a cyclonic system over the Arabian Sea in the next 24 hours. The system might delay the arrival of monsoon to the state by June 13,” he said.
The Met centre has recorded heavy rainfall in most parts of state in the past 24 hours with the highest of 90mm rainfall being mapped at Talcher, followed by 48mm in Bargarh, 34mm in Rayagada, 30.2mm in Mohana and 24mm in Daringbadi. Other places, including the capital city, also witnessed light rainfall during the same period.
The Special Relief Commissioner’s office, which has been monitoring pre-monsoon preparedness at the district level, has asked officials to hold district level meetings by June 10.
“We have emphasized on the storage of foodgrains, control rooms were set up at the district level for emergency situations. We have also established wireless stations at isolated pockets. The major emphasis has been put on the storage of dry fruits,” said Pravat Ranjan Mahapatra, deputy relief commissioner.
Residents of the capital city breathed a sigh of relief as the maximum temperature Friday here dropped to 37 degree Celsius. The Met centre has foreseen cloudy skies for the city with chances of moderate to rather heavy rainfall lashing the capital in the next 24 hours.