Odisha is likely to witness another spell of heavy rainfall as multiple cyclonic circulations and a low-pressure area remain active over and around the region. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast rainfall across several parts of the state over the next six days, with the intensity expected to increase from August 24.
According to the Regional Meteorological Centre in Bhubaneswar, 21 districts are likely to receive rainfall today. Light to moderate rain is expected at several places, particularly over western and northern coastal Odisha. Heavy rainfall is likely at isolated locations in Keonjhar, Kalahandi, Mayurbhanj and Nabarangpur.
At present, a cyclonic circulation is positioned over the west-central and adjoining northwestern Bay of Bengal, off the north Andhra Pradesh and south Odisha coasts. Another circulation is located over central Myanmar, while a separate system is present over the north Bay of Bengal and adjoining Bangladesh. A low-pressure area is also prevailing over eastern Madhya Pradesh.
According to meteorologist Biswajit Sahu, the circulation near the south Odisha-north Andhra coast is unlikely to become highly influential. However, the systems over Myanmar and near Bangladesh could merge and develop into a low-pressure area within the next 48 hours. The system may take shape around August 23.
The developing system could trigger rainfall in Odisha from the night of August 22, with heavy rain likely between August 23 and 25. Northern and coastal Odisha are expected to receive the highest rainfall during this period.
The IMD has forecast widespread rainfall across the state on August 24 and 25, with northern and western Odisha and adjoining districts likely to receive significant rainfall. Some places could experience heavy to very heavy rain.
Rainfall activity is expected to remain strong until August 26, raising concerns of another spell of intense rainfall in northern Odisha.