Bhubaneswar: Odisha may witness a spell of increased rainfall around Dussehra as another weather system is likely to develop over the Bay of Bengal in the coming days, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD).
A cyclonic circulation is expected to form over the North Andaman Sea around October 12, which may subsequently develop into a low-pressure area over the Bay of Bengal on October 13.
The system could intensify further into a depression over the South Bay of Bengal or adjoining central Bay around October 15. Weather officials are also monitoring its possible movement towards the southern Odisha and Andhra Pradesh coasts.
Rainfall Likely To Increase Around Dussehra
While significant rainfall is not expected across Odisha until around October 15, weather conditions could change thereafter.
According to the forecast, rainfall activity may increase around October 17 and 18, coinciding with the Dussehra period. The possible depression may remain close to the coast during this period, potentially influencing rainfall over parts of Odisha.
However, the IMD has not indicated any forecast regarding further intensification of the system beyond the depression stage at this point.
Odisha Records Surplus Monsoon Rainfall
Odisha has already recorded above-normal rainfall during the June-September monsoon period.
The state received around 1,484.3 mm of rainfall, compared with the normal average of approximately 1,150.2 mm, resulting in a significant surplus.
The final week of September witnessed particularly heavy rainfall after a deep depression moved across south interior Odisha near Nuapada. The state recorded around 138.9 mm of rainfall during the period, adding to the overall surplus.
Southwest Monsoon Withdrawal Underway
Meanwhile, the southwest monsoon is gradually withdrawing from Odisha and other parts of the country.
The IMD expects the monsoon to withdraw from Odisha and more than half of the country by the end of the first week or the beginning of the second week of October, depending on prevailing weather conditions.
Despite the withdrawal, the formation of another weather system over the Bay of Bengal could bring renewed rainfall activity later in the month.
Dry Weather Expected Before October 15
For the first half of October, rainfall activity is expected to remain relatively subdued.
The IMD has indicated that rainfall could remain below normal between October 1 and 14, with only light to scattered showers likely in some parts of the state.
Daytime temperatures may also rise during this period, with maximum temperatures expected to remain around 34°C to 36°C in several areas.
The weather department is continuing to monitor the developing system over the Bay of Bengal, particularly its movement and intensity, as its evolution could determine the rainfall pattern over Odisha during the Dussehra period.
