A low-pressure area has formed over the North Bay of Bengal and adjoining regions under the influence of an upper-air cyclonic circulation over the North Bay of Bengal and neighbouring Bangladesh, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD).
The weather system developed at around 5:30 AM on Thursday and is expected to trigger widespread rainfall activity across Odisha over the next few days. In view of the anticipated weather conditions, the Regional Meteorological Centre (RMC), Bhubaneswar, has issued rainfall warnings for several districts.
Red Alert for Mayurbhanj
The IMD has issued a red warning for Mayurbhanj district, indicating the likelihood of very heavy to extremely heavy rainfall.
Meanwhile, Keonjhar, Balasore and Bhadrak districts have been placed under an orange warning, where heavy to very heavy rainfall is expected.
The remaining 26 districts of Odisha have been put under a yellow warning, with forecasts of rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms and lightning.
Heavy Rainfall Likely in Several Districts
The weather department has advised people in Koraput, Kalahandi, Rayagada, Gajapati, Ganjam, Angul, Dhenkanal, Jajpur, Cuttack, Khordha, Puri, Jagatsinghpur and Kendrapara to remain cautious as heavy rainfall, thunderstorms and lightning activity are likely.
According to the forecast, heavy rainfall may affect most parts of Odisha on Friday, except a few districts in western Odisha.
The IMD has predicted that rainfall activity may continue across the state for the next four days under the influence of the newly formed low-pressure system.
Strong Winds Over Bay of Bengal
The weather system is also expected to impact sea conditions over the Bay of Bengal.
Winds with speeds of 40 to 50 kmph, gusting up to 60 kmph, are likely over the North and Central Bay of Bengal during the next 48 hours.
Similar wind conditions are expected along and off the coasts of Bangladesh, West Bengal, Odisha and North Andhra Pradesh.
Fishermen Advised Not to Venture into Sea
The IMD has warned that sea conditions are likely to remain rough to very rough over the North and Central Bay of Bengal during the next two days.
Fishermen have been advised not to venture into the North and Central Bay of Bengal and along or off the coasts of Bangladesh, West Bengal, Odisha and North Andhra Pradesh for the next 48 hours.
Authorities have urged residents, especially those living in low-lying and vulnerable areas, to stay alert and follow weather advisories issued by local administrations.
The development of the low-pressure area is expected to significantly influence Odisha’s weather pattern, with several districts likely to experience intense rainfall and thunderstorm activity in the coming days.
