BHUBANESWAR: Ending the dry and humid days, rains lashed the Capital and pockets of coastal Odisha as a low pressure formed over northern Bay of Bengal off the Gangetic West Bengal on Wednesday.
The dry spell, which lasted for about two weeks, has left at least 12 districts parched. The weather office said the system could trigger more rains over northern and central districts in the next two days.
Since the system is far off the Odisha coast, widespread rains would be confined to only northern districts and parts of western Odisha from July 9. It would continue for two days before the intensity of showers declines.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) said coastal Odisha could get showers on Wednesday and Thursday but the rainfall zone would gradually shift north and westwards. The low pressure would induce more rains over Gangetic West Bengal, Bihar and north eastern States.
From Thursday onwards, Boudh, Balangir, Sonepur, Kalahandi and Nuapada would get more showers which would also help eliminate the deficit in rainfall over the region.
As of now, 12 districts of the State have recorded deficit rainfall as monsoon has weakened. Jagatsinghpur has recorded a whopping 63 per cent deficient rainfall followed by 45 per cent in Puri, 44 per cent at Khurda and 40 per cent at Kendrapara.
The weather office said the showers may continue during the week though the intensity would drop. “Although sea-based systems are unlikely to form, the State may receive showers from land-based systems,” Director SC Sahu said. The continued showers are expected to help nursery raising and transplantation works which necessitate more rain.