A cyclonic circulation over the north Bay of Bengal and adjoining south Bangladesh remains active and extends up to 7.6 km above mean sea level, tilting southwestward. Under its influence, a low-pressure area is likely to form over the north Bay of Bengal and adjoining Bangladesh coast within the next 24 hours, according to the Regional Meteorological Centre (RMC), Bhubaneswar.
The weather system is expected to trigger widespread heavy to very heavy rainfall across Odisha until July 17. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued Red, Orange and Yellow alerts for several districts on July 14 and July 15, warning of intense rainfall and possible weather-related disruptions.
Red Alert Districts
For Tuesday, July 14, a Red Alert has been issued for Bhadrak, Kendrapara and Jagatsinghpur, where extremely heavy rainfall is likely.
On Wednesday, July 15, Jagatsinghpur will continue to remain under a Red Warning for very heavy rainfall.
Orange Alert
For July 14, an Orange Alert has been issued for Balasore, Jajpur, Cuttack, Keonjhar, Mayurbhanj, Gajapati, Ganjam, Puri, Khordha and Nayagarh, indicating the likelihood of heavy to very heavy rainfall.
On July 15, the Orange Alert has been extended to Bhadrak, Jajpur, Kendrapara, Cuttack, Keonjhar, Kandhamal, Puri, Khordha, Nayagarh and Dhenkanal.
Yellow Alert
For July 14, Sundargarh, Deogarh, Angul, Dhenkanal, Boudh, Kandhamal and Rayagada are under a Yellow Alert for heavy rainfall.
On July 15, Yellow Alerts have been issued for Balasore, Sundargarh, Deogarh, Angul, Mayurbhanj, Boudh, Rayagada, Gajapati and Ganjam.
Rain Likely During Rath Yatra
The Meteorological Department has also forecast heavy rainfall during the Rath Yatra celebrations on July 16.
An Orange Alert has been issued for Kendrapara, Jagatsinghpur and Cuttack on the festival day. Meanwhile, Puri, Ganjam, Khordha, Mayurbhanj, Keonjhar and several other districts are under a Yellow Alert, with heavy rainfall expected during the celebrations.
Fishermen Advised Not to Venture Into the Sea
The IMD has warned that sea conditions along the Odisha coast will remain rough from July 14 to July 18, with wind speeds of 40–50 kmph expected over coastal waters.
In view of the rough sea conditions, fishermen have been advised not to venture into the sea during this period.
Rainfall Above Normal
Odisha has recorded 354.7 mm of rainfall between June 1 and July 14, compared to the normal rainfall of 345.5 mm for the period. This represents 4% above-normal rainfall across the state so far this monsoon season.