Bhubaneswar: After a weak spell through much of June, the southwest monsoon is set to regain momentum over Odisha from July 1, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) said.

According to the IMD, rainfall activity is expected to intensify across the state from Wednesday to Sunday, with several districts likely to receive heavy to very heavy rainfall.

On Wednesday, districts such as Bargarh, Mayurbhanj, Subarnapur, and Balangir are likely to witness heavy to very heavy rainfall, ranging between 64.5 mm and 204.4 mm at one or two places.

On Thursday, very heavy rainfall is likely at isolated places in Mayurbhanj, while districts including Sundargarh, Keonjhar, Rayagada, Koraput, Malkangiri, and Gajapati are expected to receive heavy rainfall.

Director of the Regional Meteorological Centre, Manorama Mohanty, said the monsoon will remain active throughout the week. She also indicated the possible formation of a low-pressure area, which could further enhance rainfall intensity across the region.

Odisha experienced a subdued monsoon phase in June. Between June 23 and June 29, the state recorded around 60 per cent of its normal rainfall. During this period, 18 districts reported a rainfall deficit of more than 60 per cent, while 11 districts recorded deficits between 20 and 59 per cent. Only one district recorded normal rainfall.

Among the districts that received relatively higher rainfall were Angul (92%), Cuttack (86%), Jagatsinghpur (85%), Puri (82%), Kalahandi (81%), Kendrapara (79%), and Khordha (76%). Rayagada, Gajapati, and Nayagarh also recorded around 70 per cent rainfall.

With the monsoon expected to strengthen, the coming days may bring much-needed rainfall relief to several parts of the state.