A low-pressure area has formed over the northwest Bay of Bengal and adjoining West Bengal–north Odisha coasts, bringing the possibility of heavy to very heavy rainfall across Odisha over the next few days. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), heavy rainfall is likely over Odisha from August 29 to September 1, with isolated extremely heavy rainfall also possible.
The system developed under the influence of a cyclonic circulation that had been active over the northern Bay of Bengal and adjoining coastal areas. The weather system is expected to keep rainfall activity high across the state through the beginning of September.
Orange and Yellow Alerts Issued
For Saturday, Kendrapara, Jagatsinghpur, Bhadrak, Balasore, Keonjhar and Mayurbhanj have been placed under an Orange Alert for heavy to very heavy rainfall.
A Yellow Alert has been issued for Puri, Khordha, Jajpur, Cuttack, Dhenkanal, Nayagarh, Angul, Boudh, Kandhamal, Kalahandi, Subarnapur, Sambalpur, Deogarh, Bargarh, Balangir, Nabarangpur, Nuapada, Sundargarh and Jharsuguda.
Thunderstorm and Squally Winds
Several districts are also likely to experience thunderstorms, lightning and gusty winds. Winds may reach 40–50 kmph, with stronger gusts possible in some areas.
Balasore, Bhadrak, Jajpur, Kendrapara, Jagatsinghpur, Cuttack, Sundargarh, Angul, Dhenkanal, Keonjhar, Mayurbhanj, Puri, Khordha and Nayagarh have been placed under a Yellow Alert for thunderstorm and lightning activity.
For August 30, Mayurbhanj is expected to experience extremely heavy rainfall and has been placed under a Red Alert. Orange Alerts have been issued for Balasore, Bhadrak, Jajpur, Sundargarh, Deogarh, Angul, Keonjhar and Dhenkanal.
Strong Winds Along Odisha Coast
Coastal Odisha is likely to experience winds of 40–50 kmph, with gusts reaching around 60 kmph. With the sea expected to remain rough, fishermen have been advised to stay away from the sea until August 31.
Balasore’s Khaira recorded the highest rainfall in the state during the previous 24 hours.
Odisha has already received 1,111.4 mm of rainfall since June 1, which is around 26% above normal, according to the rainfall figures cited in the report. The latest IMD forecast indicates that the active weather system will keep rainfall activity elevated across Odisha in the coming days.