More rains over the week, system likely over Bay of Bengal by May 14: IMD

More rains over the week, system likely over Bay of Bengal by May 14: IMDBHUBANESWAR: Even as nor’wester showers continued to keep the mercury levels in control across the state over the last few days, the respite from heat is set to be sustained over the larger part of the coming week.

The probability of rains for an extended period has also been heightened with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasting development of an upper-air cyclonic circulation over the south Bay of Bengal between May 8 and 14. However, the IMD is yet to confirm if the weather system will intensify to take form of a low-pressure system.

“We are keeping a close watch on the anticipated weather system. details like possibility of its further intensification can be ascertained in the coming days,” said director of Bhubaneswar Meteorological Centre Manorama Mohanty.

With Odisha being highly vulnerable to severe tropical cyclones in May, a month that marks the pre-monsoon season and often produces intense storms due to high sea surface temperatures in the Bay of Bengal, the government has also taken note of the probability.The IMD said rainfall activity will persist till May 8. Several parts of the state are likely to witness thunderstorms accompanied by lightning and gusty surface winds till May 8, with peak activity expected on May 5. The maximum temperature is likely to dip by 2 degree Celsius to 3 degree C over the next two days.

The regional met office has forecast thunderstorm, lightning and wind speeds reaching 40 kmph to 50 kmph at one or two places in Mayurbhanj, Balasore, Khurda, Kandhamal, Rayagada, Gajapati, Ganjam, Malkangiri, Koraput and Nabarangpur districts on Sunday.