Low Pressure Forms Over Bay of Bengal; IMD Warns of Very Heavy Rain in Odisha

Bhubaneswar: A low-pressure area has developed over the northwest Bay of Bengal, close to the Gangetic West Bengal and North Odisha coasts, under the influence of an active cyclonic circulation, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) said on Saturday.

According to the weather agency, the system is expected to strengthen further over the next 48 hours, increasing the likelihood of widespread rainfall across several parts of Odisha.

Weather scientist Uma Shankar Das, in a post on X, said observations recorded at 5:30 am confirmed the formation of the low-pressure area over the northwest Bay of Bengal adjoining the West Bengal-Odisha coast. He added that the system is likely to intensify during the next two days.

In view of the evolving weather situation, the IMD has issued an Orange Warning for Keonjhar, Angul, Dhenkanal, and Cuttack, where very heavy rainfall is likely.

A Yellow Warning for heavy rainfall has also been sounded for Puri, Khordha, Nayagarh, Jagatsinghpur, Kendrapara, Jajpur, Bhadrak, Balasore, Mayurbhanj, Sundargarh, Jharsuguda, Deogarh, Sambalpur, Bargarh, Sonepur, and Boudh districts.

The department has further predicted gusty surface winds reaching 30–40 kmph, accompanied by rain in the affected districts.

Meanwhile, the IMD has advised fishermen not to venture into the sea till July 27, warning of rough sea conditions along the Odisha coast.

Residents in vulnerable areas have been urged to remain vigilant, avoid waterlogged locations, and take precautions against lightning, strong winds, and possible flooding. Farmers and people living in low-lying areas have also been advised to stay alert as water accumulation may occur in several places.