Odisha is likely to witness another spell of heavy rainfall in the coming days, with two low-pressure systems expected to develop over the Bay of Bengal during September. The forecast has raised concerns as several parts of the state had recently experienced heavy rain and flood-like conditions.
According to weather expert Professor Surendranath Pashupalak, the first low-pressure system may develop around September 10–11 over the west-central and northwest Bay of Bengal, close to the Odisha–north Andhra Pradesh coast.
The system could intensify into a well-marked low-pressure area and is likely to move northwestwards across Odisha towards Chhattisgarh and central India.
Under its influence, rainfall activity in Odisha may increase from September 9, with the intensity expected to remain higher between September 10 and 12.
Initially, northern and north-coastal districts are likely to receive increased rainfall. The rain may subsequently spread to coastal, central and southern parts of the state.
The weather system is expected to move inland around September 13–14, following which rainfall activity in Odisha may gradually decline.
However, another low-pressure system could emerge over the Bay of Bengal between September 17 and 20, according to preliminary indications. Its influence may trigger another spell of increased rainfall in Odisha around September 19–21.
Experts, however, have cautioned that it is too early to make a definite assessment of the second system’s intensity, movement and rainfall potential. The forecast could change as the system develops and its track becomes clearer.
The latest prediction comes shortly after several districts of Odisha witnessed intense rainfall and flooding. Although the situation has improved after the recent spell of rain, the possibility of another round of heavy rainfall has raised concerns among residents and authorities.
People in vulnerable and low-lying areas are likely to remain particularly watchful as weather conditions evolve over the next few days.