Bhubaneswar: Odisha is likely to witness widespread rainfall over the coming days as the southwest monsoon is expected to become active again from July 1, while a low pressure area is likely to form over the northwest Bay of Bengal and adjoining areas around July 3, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD).

The weather system is expected to develop under the influence of an upper air cyclonic circulation persisting over the north Bay of Bengal adjoining south Bangladesh. The cyclonic circulation extends between 1.5 km and 5.8 km above mean sea level and tilts southwestwards with height.

Under its influence, several parts of Odisha are likely to receive significant rainfall. The IMD has forecasted heavy to very heavy rainfall across different districts from Wednesday to Sunday as the monsoon regains strength.

For Wednesday, heavy to very heavy rainfall is likely at one or two places in Sundargarh, Jharsuguda and Sambalpur districts. Heavy rainfall is also expected in Sundargarh, Keonjhar, Rayagada, Koraput, Malkangiri and Gajapati districts.

The IMD has also forecasted heavy to very heavy rainfall, ranging between 64.5 mm and 204.4 mm, at one or two places in Bargarh, Mayurbhanj, Subarnapur and Balangir districts on Wednesday. On Thursday, Mayurbhanj is likely to receive very heavy rainfall, while heavy rainfall is expected in Sundargarh, Keonjhar, Rayagada, Koraput, Malkangiri and Gajapati.

Bhubaneswar Meteorological Centre Director Manorama Mohanty said the southwest monsoon will remain active throughout the week. She said rainfall activity is expected to intensify further with the likely formation of a low pressure area over the Bay of Bengal.

The weather department said the low pressure area is likely to form around July 3 under the influence of the upper air cyclonic circulation over the north Bay of Bengal adjoining south Bangladesh.

The forecast comes after Odisha experienced weak monsoon activity for most of June. According to IMD data, the state recorded a 60 per cent rainfall deficit between June 23 and June 29.

During this period, 18 districts recorded a rainfall deficit of more than 60 per cent, while 11 districts reported deficits between 20 per cent and 59 per cent. Only one district received normal rainfall.

Among the districts with the highest rainfall deficit were Angul (92 per cent), Cuttack (86 per cent), Jagatsinghpur (85 per cent), Puri (82 per cent), Kalahandi (81 per cent), Kendrapara (79 per cent) and Khurda (76 per cent). Rayagada, Gajapati and Nayagarh also recorded rainfall deficits of around 70 per cent.