Heavy Rain, Thunderstorms Forecasted in Odisha: IMD

Bhubaneswar: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a multi-day weather alert for Odisha, forecasting widespread light to moderate rainfall with thunderstorms and gusty winds across the state. The warning comes as a low-pressure system currently affecting the region is expected to be followed by a more significant system forming over the Bay of Bengal later this week.

According to the IMD’s midday bulletin from Bhubaneswar, a low-pressure area over coastal Gangetic West Bengal and adjoining north Odisha is likely to persist for the next 24 hours, influencing weather patterns. A new low-pressure system is expected to develop over the northwest Bay of Bengal around September 25, which could intensify into a depression and cross the coasts of South Odisha and North Andhra Pradesh around September 27.

The IMD has issued colour-coded warnings for all 30 districts over the next seven days. Today until Wednesday morning, an Orange Warning (Be Prepared) is in effect for Keonjhar, Mayurbhanj, Sundargarh, Koraput, and Malkangiri, while most other districts are under a Yellow Warning (Be Aware). Over the next few days, warnings will shift across western and southern districts, with heavy rainfall and thunderstorms expected to persist. Authorities have warned of damage to vulnerable structures, standing crops, plantations, kutcha roads, localized flooding, waterlogging, and disruption to power, communication, and traffic.

In addition, rough sea conditions have prompted stern advisories for fishermen. Winds of 45-55 kmph are forecasted until September 24, intensifying to 50-60 kmph between September 25 and 27. Fishermen have been strongly urged not to venture into the sea off Odisha and the north Bay of Bengal during this period. The IMD has advised the public to avoid vulnerable structures and unnecessary travel during heavy rainfall.