Odisha Braces for Heavy Rain as Two Low-Pressure Areas Form Over Bay

Bhubaneswar: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast the formation of two fresh low-pressure areas over the Bay of Bengal, one of which may intensify into a depression and impact southern Odisha.

According to the IMD, the first system is likely to form over the north Bay of Bengal within the next 24 hours, while the second is expected to develop over the east-central Bay around September 25. The latter may intensify and influence weather conditions across several parts of the state.

Issuing its mid-day bulletin, the IMD placed a Yellow Warning for September 22, predicting heavy rain, thunderstorms, and gusty winds (30–40 kmph) in districts including Mayurbhanj, Keonjhar, Dhenkanal, Angul, Cuttack, Khordha, Puri, and Ganjam. Similar conditions are also expected in Balasore, Bhadrak, Jajpur, Kendrapara, Jagatsinghpur, Nayagarh, Gajapati, Sundargarh, Jharsuguda, Bargarh, Sambalpur, Deogarh, Sonepur, Boudh, Nuapada, Bolangir, Kalahandi, Kandhamal, Nabarangpur, Rayagada, Koraput, and Malkangiri.

For September 23, an Orange Warning has been issued for Keonjhar and Mayurbhanj, where heavy to very heavy rainfall is likely. A Yellow Warning will remain in effect for Koraput, Malkangiri, Rayagada, Gajapati, Ganjam, Kandhamal, Kalahandi, Sundargarh, Balasore, Bhadrak, Kendrapara, and Jagatsinghpur.

The IMD further indicated that heavy rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms and gusty winds may continue till September 27, with daily Yellow Warnings issued for multiple districts.

In view of the developing weather systems, fishermen have been advised not to venture into the North Bay of Bengal and along the Odisha coast between September 21 and 25.