Heavy Rainfall Likely Across Odisha as Active Low-Pressure System Intensifies; Red Alert for Koraput and Malkangiri

Rainfall activity is set to intensify across Odisha from today under the influence of an active low-pressure system over the Bay of Bengal. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast widespread rain over the next three to four days, with isolated places expected to receive heavy to extremely heavy rainfall. Southern Odisha is likely to bear the brunt of the weather system, raising concerns over waterlogging and localized flooding in several districts.

The IMD has issued a Red Alert for Koraput and Malkangiri districts for the next 24 hours, warning of extremely heavy rainfall. An Orange Alert has been sounded for Gajapati, Rayagada, Kalahandi, and Nabarangpur, where heavy to very heavy rainfall is expected.

Meanwhile, Yellow Warnings have been issued for Ganjam, Puri, Khordha, Nayagarh, Cuttack, Kandhamal, Boudh, Sonepur, Balangir, Nuapada, Balasore, and Mayurbhanj, indicating the likelihood of heavy rainfall in these districts.

Continuous rainfall has already been reported from several parts of the state, and the weather department has cautioned that the situation may worsen over the coming days as the low-pressure area strengthens further.

According to the IMD, strong winds with speeds of 40–50 kmph, gusting up to 60 kmph, are likely to lash the Odisha coast and adjoining areas until July 6. The sea is expected to remain rough to very rough during this period. Fishermen have been strongly advised not to venture into the sea over the next four days.

Meteorologists have indicated that the low-pressure system may intensify into a depression, which could further enhance rainfall activity across the state. Heavy rainfall is expected to continue until July 5, with coastal Odisha likely to experience increased rainfall from this afternoon. Heavy showers are also expected across the coastal districts today and tomorrow.

From July 4 to July 5, northern Odisha is likely to witness prolonged spells of rain. While rainfall intensity is expected to gradually decrease from July 6, light to moderate showers may continue at isolated places across the state until July 9.

Weather scientist Dr. Sarat Chandra Sahu has also indicated the possibility of another low-pressure area forming over the north Bay of Bengal around July 12. If it develops, rainfall activity across Odisha could increase once again between July 12 and July 15.

Authorities have advised residents, especially those living in low-lying and vulnerable areas, to remain alert and follow weather advisories issued by the IMD and local administration as heavy rainfall and strong winds may disrupt normal life in several parts of the state.