Bhubaneswar: Several districts of Odisha are likely to witness heavy to very heavy rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms and lightning starting from June 23, according to the Regional Meteorological Centre in Bhubaneswar. These weather conditions are expected to persist across various parts of the State until June 28.

Providing an update on the prevailing weather pattern, the Met Centre stated a trough is currently extending from a cyclonic circulation over central parts of south Uttar Pradesh to the Bay of Bengal. This trough passes through northeast Madhya Pradesh, Jharkhand, and north Odisha and extends up to 1.5 km above mean sea level.

In the next 24 hours, light to moderate rain or thundershowers are very likely at most places in South Odisha and North Coastal Odisha, and at many places in North Interior Odisha.

Issuing a warning for fishermen, the centre advised them to avoid venturing into the sea along and off the Odisha coast on June 25 and 26.

Squally weather conditions are expected to prevail during this period, with wind speeds likely to reach 35–45 kmph, gusting up to 55 kmph. The sea is expected to be rough to very rough on these days, the forecast added.