IMD Issues Red Warning for Odisha as Low Pressure Intensifies

Bhubaneswar: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Sunday issued a Red Warning for several districts of Odisha after a low-pressure area formed over the Bay of Bengal. The system, which developed at 8:30 am today, is expected to intensify into a depression within the next 24 hours and cross the south Odisha–north Andhra Pradesh coasts around the forenoon of August 19, 2025.

According to the IMD, the low pressure has formed under the influence of an upper air cyclonic circulation over the west-central and adjoining northwest Bay of Bengal, off the north Andhra Pradesh and south Odisha coasts. The system is likely to move west–northwestwards, triggering widespread rainfall and thunderstorms across the state.

On August 17, an Orange Warning has been issued for Koraput, Malkangiri, Rayagada, and Gajapati, where heavy to very heavy rainfall with thunderstorms and gusty winds up to 40 kmph are likely. A Yellow Warning is in place for Ganjam, Kandhamal, Kalahandi, and Nabarangpur. Several other districts, including Puri, Khurda, Cuttack, Jagatsinghpur, Balasore, Mayurbhanj, and Sundargarh, may also witness thunderstorms with lightning and gusty winds.

On August 18, the situation is expected to worsen. A Red Warning has been issued for Koraput, Malkangiri, and Nabarangpur, which may witness extremely heavy rainfall. Kalahandi, Rayagada, and Gajapati have been placed under an Orange Warning, while several other districts across coastal and interior Odisha will see heavy rain under a Yellow Warning.

The IMD has urged residents in the affected districts to remain cautious, avoid vulnerable areas, and take necessary precautions against heavy rainfall, lightning, and gusty winds.