A cyclonic circulation remains active over the north Bay of Bengal adjoining southern Bangladesh and is expected to intensify into a low-pressure area over the northwest Bay of Bengal and nearby regions by Friday, according to the Regional Meteorological Centre (RMC). The system is likely to trigger widespread rainfall across Odisha throughout the week.
The weather office has issued Orange and Yellow alerts for several districts over the next 24 hours. Mayurbhanj and Koraput have been placed under an Orange Alert due to the likelihood of heavy rainfall and thunderstorms. A Yellow Alert has been issued for Malkangiri, Nabarangpur, Rayagada, Gajapati, Sundargarh, Keonjhar, Balasore, Sambalpur, Deogarh, and Angul, where heavy rain accompanied by thunderstorms is expected.
The IMD has also warned that rainfall activity will intensify from Thursday and continue until July 6, with light to heavy rainfall likely across many parts of the state.
For the next 24 hours, Jharsuguda, Sambalpur, and Sundargarh are expected to receive heavy to very heavy rainfall, prompting an Orange Alert for these districts. Meanwhile, Nabarangpur, Kalahandi, Kandhamal, Nuapada, Balangir, Subarnapur, Bargarh, Deogarh, Keonjhar, and Mayurbhanj have been placed under a Yellow Alert for heavy rainfall.
The weather system is also expected to generate strong winds along the Odisha coast. Wind speeds of 40–50 kmph, gusting up to 60 kmph, are likely, making sea conditions rough to very rough.
In view of the deteriorating sea conditions, the Regional Meteorological Centre has advised fishermen not to venture into the sea from July 3 to July 5. Those already at sea have been urged to return to the coast immediately as strong winds and high waves could pose significant risks.
Meanwhile, meteorologists are also keeping a close watch on global climate conditions. A weak El Niño phase was officially declared on June 10, and its intensity has been gradually increasing. Climate models indicate that El Niño is likely to strengthen to a moderate phase during July and August before potentially intensifying into a strong El Niño by September. Such a development could have a significant influence on weather patterns across the region in the coming months.
Authorities have advised residents in vulnerable districts to remain alert, follow official weather updates, and take necessary precautions as the low-pressure system develops over the Bay of Bengal.